Governor’s Business Expansion Award for RTI Biologics

RTI Biologics Inc. (RTI) (Nasdaq:RTIX), the Florida-based processor of orthopedic, dental, hernia and other biologic implants, was awarded the 2009 Governor’s Business Expansion Award from Florida Governor Charlie Crist today.

RTI received the award for business expansion in the major market category at an awards luncheon at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. and was among twenty Florida companies that received 2009 Governor’s Business Diversification Awards. RTI was chosen for this award based on exceptional contributions toward statewide economic diversification through job creation and distinctive community involvement and investment.

“This Governor’s Business Expansion Award is a wonderful recognition for RTI, and we are honored to be recognized at this level," said Brian K. Hutchison, chairman and CEO for RTI. "This award further demonstrates our commitment to growth and recognizes continued success following the 2008 merger of Regeneration Technologies, Inc. and Tutogen Medical, Inc."

The awards program is sponsored annually by Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) in conjunction with Florida’s Industry Appreciation Week held September 14-18, 2009, which promotes outstanding accomplishments made by the state’s businesses.

“These awards acknowledge the successes of a wide range of business leaders whose accomplishments have benefited our economy," said Enterprise Florida President & CEO John Adams Jr. "Therefore, Industry Appreciation Week and the awards program celebrate their exemplary efforts and the attributes that brought them about: innovation, entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and volunteerism.”

Companies vied in six categories: Business Expansion, Entrepreneurship, Export Excellence, Innovation, Newcomer and Green-to-Gold. Each nominee competed with other companies, organizations, universities and colleges in similarly sized markets, including Mid Market (county population up to 150,000); Major Market (county population 150,001 to 800,000) and Mega Market (county population 800,001 and higher).

Winners were chosen for demonstrating a commitment to creating jobs for Floridians, increasing capital investment and promoting corporate citizenship.