Jan 19 2010
MichBio, the statewide trade association
dedicated to driving the growth of Michigan's biosciences industry,
has launched a 2010 "It Pays to Belong" campaign to broaden and
increase awareness of MichBio's member services and mission.
"MichBio has made a lot of progress over the past several years,
expanding services and extending our sphere of influence in support of
issues and growth relevant to the Michigan biosciences sector," said
Stephen Rapundalo, Ph.D., MichBio president and CEO. "Our hope with
the 'It Pays to Belong' campaign is to increase awareness by the
state's biosciences entities of how MichBio membership can save them
money, connect them with potential customers, partners and funding
sources, inform and educate them, and provide strong advocacy for
their public policy issues."
Currently MichBio has 237 members comprised of biosciences companies,
academic and research institutions, bioscience service providers, and
related organizations. "There are approximately 540 biosciences
organizations in the state, and we are hoping to be able to service
the majority of them," Rapundalo added. "Member and non-member
bio-companies will receive surveys next week to help us assess how
we're doing currently and where we need to improve. In addition, we
will be including an Annual Value Report with all renewal invoices to
advise members of what MichBio services they have taken advantage of
in the past year and what they might be missing out on.
"We will add more Preferred Providers during the
coming year. These are product and service providers that offer
discounts to our members, many of whom have seen significant
bottom-line savings as a result."
MichBio will also be initiating a member-only LinkedIn Group and
Twitter updates within the next month, along with regular member-only
news flashes and advocacy alerts. "Added to our monthly Michigan
Biosciences LINK newsletter and bi-annual magazine, BioMatters,
these new communications make for a more complete flow of
information," Rapundalo said.
Informal networking meetings around state will be arranged to
introduce MichBio and its programs and services to those who are
interested in learning more.
SOURCE: MichBio