Missouri’s Speaker of the House Named BIO State Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 28, 2004) -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) presented Missouri State Speaker of the House Catherine Hanaway (R-87th District) with BIO’s State Legislator of the Year award in recognition of her support of the life sciences. The award was presented at yesterday’s dedication of the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences’ Dybedal Center for Biosciences Research by Dr. Bill Duncan, President of the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute and Chairman of the Missouri Biotechnology Association.

"We are proud to present the award to Missouri State Representative and Speaker of the House Catherine Hanaway. Speaker Hanaway has showed great leadership in advancing Missouri’s legislative and business climate for growing biotechnology and life sciences industries during the legislative session," said Duncan.

"The speaker’s efforts demonstrate her vision for Missouri as a leader in the life sciences arena and will keep biotech on the forefront of the state’s economic development strategies,” said Patrick Kelly, BIO Vice President for State Government Relations.

Speaker Hanaway has served in the Missouri House of Representatives since 1998 and as Speaker of the House since 2003. Currently, she is running for Missouri Secretary of State in the upcoming November election.

BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 states and 33 foreign nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. In Missouri, BIO works closely with the Missouri Biotechnology Association.