State Biotech Association Moves to University Research Park


MADISON, Wis., Jan. 25, 2008 – The Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association (WBMA), the member organization that represents the state’s bioscience industry, today announced that it has moved its headquarters to the internationally-recognized University Research Park on Madison’s west side.


The move, a direct result of the ongoing growth of Wisconsin’s bioscience industry and the resulting increase in association membership, places the association in one of the country’s most vibrant bioscience clusters. University Research Park is home to more than 100 companies that employ over 4,000 people. It contributes more than $680 million each year to the state’s economy.


“As Wisconsin’s bioscience industry continues to grow, its member association is growing with it,” said James L. Leonhart, the association’s executive vice president. “The WBMA’s move to our new quarters in the heart of a vibrant bioscience cluster is the latest step forward in that growth. We enter 2008 with a renewed commitment to understanding and serving the needs our member companies, and to advocating on behalf of the industry they comprise.”


The WBMA’s membership has grown from 46 companies in 2001 to 225 at the end of 2007. The total number of purchasing-consortium companies with which the association has negotiated special benefits and pricing for member companies now stands at 15, an increase from one in 2001. The purchasing consortium saved member companies more than $2 million in 2007.


“The WBMA is devoted to two fundamental and connected missions: serving our members and advocating for one of Wisconsin’s most important and fastest growing industries,” said Susan M. LaBelle, the association’s president and vice president of global marketing for Covance Inc. “The move of our headquarters to University Research Park is emblematic of the association’s commitment to those missions.”


The association’s new office address is 455 Science Drive, Suite 160, Madison, WI 53711.


—30—