August 9, 2005

Minnesota Partnership Celebrates Construction of New Research Facility

Announces Plans for Collaboration with the BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota

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MINNEAPOLIS/ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics kicked off construction on a new research facility, which will be built on top of the existing Mayo Clinic Vincent A. Stabile Building, at a roof raising event held in Rochester today. The research facility will significantly enhance Minnesota's competitive position in the biosciences race, building on the strong commitment of the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic.

"The strength of this facility extends beyond bricks and mortar, this new research facility will allow research teams from Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota to collaborate even more closely to build on the signficant progress that's already been made by the Partnership and advance medical science," said Hugh Smith, M.D., Chair, Mayo Clinic Rochester Board of Governors.

Funding for the new research facility was included in the state bonding bill passed by the legislature earlier this year. Gov. Tim Pawlenty and a bipartisan group of legislative leaders participated in the roof raising.

The Partnership also announced an agreement with the BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota to work collaboratively to raise awareness throughout Minnesota for the bioscience industry and investments made in biosciences. The effort will provide information to opinion leaders and economic development officials, especially those in Greater Minnesota, about the potential to transform research discovery into economic development. The outreach effort, scheduled to begin this fall, will also provide hands-on tools to help spark bioscience business development in local communities.

"This is a critical investment for Minnesota, and we are focused on growing and enriching economic development opportunities in the area of biosciences," said Dale Wahlstrom, Chair, BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota. "By working together, the BioBusiness Alliance and the Partnership can provide spark for future bioscience development in regions across Minnesota, as we compete to become a global leader in agricultural, medical technology, and health sciences."

"While other states are struggling to turn their research investments into reality, Minnesota has been investing in biosciences in for many years, funding actual research," said Frank B. Cerra, M.D., Senior Vice President for Health Sciences, University of Minnesota. "Working with the BioBusiness Alliance, we are confident that research we begin through the Partnership will result in jobs, as well as health improvements for Minnesotans."

The Partnership and the BioBusiness Alliance will help to demonstrate the importance of the bioscience industry to Minnesota as a whole, as well as enhance resources already in place. Both organizations are committed to implementing specific action items that dramatically impact the state in terms of jobs, new sources of revenue, and overall health improvements, while helping to advance bioscience discoveries.

"The Partnership is committed to giving back to the state of Minensota by converting Partnership research discoveries into economic development opportunities for the state," said Dr. Smith.

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Contact:
Jonell Rusinko
University of Minnesota
612-624-5680

Lee Aase
Mayo Clinic
507-284-5005