South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard Presented BIO Lifetime Champion Award
Boston, MA (June 6, 2018) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) presented South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard with a Lifetime Champion Award in recognition of his stalwart leadership and commitment to strengthening South Dakota’s growing biotechnology industry. He received the award in conjunction with the 2018 BIO International Convention.
"Biotechnology innovation is not just good for South Dakota’s economy. It unlocks the door to important medical, food production, animal health and renewable energy advances as well," said Governor Daugaard. "I am proud to say companies across the biotechnology spectrum have taken notice of what we are doing in South Dakota and have decided to put down roots with us. I am honored to receive this acknowledgement on behalf of the State of South Dakota for our support of innovations that help feed, fuel and heal the world."
"Thanks to the leadership of Governor Daugaard, South Dakota has steadily grown and diversified its biotechnology industry," said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. "Governor Daugaard has demonstrated his unyielding commitment to building a strong bioscience economy in South Dakota. As a champion of innovation, Governor Daugaard recently signed forward-looking legislation that will provide patients more opportunities to address their medical needs, through the substitution of interchangeable biologic medicines. This bill particularly benefits severely ill patients who rely on complex biological treatments, but also ensures better communications between patients, pharmacists and physicians. We thank him for his service!"
"Governor Daugaard has been an exemplary leader in enhancing South Dakota’s excellence in the field of biotechnology through strong support for policies that benefit a pro-jobs and pro-biotechnology environment. Governor Daugaard has always been a pro-business advocate for initiatives that support the unique needs of our state’s early-stage companies," said Joni Johnson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Biotech. "We thank him for his support, both in his current leadership position and through his 22 years of service to citizens of South Dakota!”