It’s that time of year.  The time when we look back at what has been done, plan for what is yet to come,   gather our partners around to say thanks, and engage in  new projects for the year ahead.

Progress:

2012 here, but before we say adieu to 2011 let’s look back at  the progress we made as together we moved forward faster.

Moving Forward FASTER was our theme for 2011 as we expanded media and social media outreach with EmpowHER, launched the new AZBio.org and AZBio1 YouTube Channel.  Thanks to the hard work and efforts of the AZBIo events committee and our AZBio support team at KCA over 600 members of our community  gathered together at our AZBio Signature events, the AZBio Awards and Expo and the 2011 Trailblazer Awards  to celebrate award winning companies and leaders who are driving their teams forward faster and making it possible for all of us to join them.

Partnerships with the Flinn Foundation, the Arizona Commerce Authority, The Arizona Technology Council, Medtronic, ATIC and GPEC resulted in events that highlighted the progress we are making together across the state.

• April’s Road Map Update and Legislative Meet and Greet at the Arizona Science Center
• June’s Arizona Pavilion at the BIO International Convention in Washington, D.C.
• July’s Partnering Conference with the Arizona Technology Council
• September’s Medtronic Open House and ATIC/AZBio Conference on TeleHealth
• October’s AZBio Awards and Expo
• November’s Collaborating for Customized Care (GPEC Personalized Medicine Summit)
• December’s Trailblazer Awards

There are hundreds of photos on Facebook – to  find yourself and your friends – click here

While all these happenings and gatherings kept us connected – there was work to be done too.  From the State Capitol to the halls of DC, AZBio worked on key issues including The Medical Device Tax, proposed changes to Medicare parts B and D, reauthorization of the SBIR/STTR and submitting comments to rules and regulations at the FDA.  You will find all the details under Advocacy on AZBio.org.

Plans for 2012:

We moved forward faster in 2011, and were gaining momentum in 2012.  From South or the Gila to the pine crested peaks of Northern AZ and Arizona’s Central core, the Education and  Events Committee is working on the monthly regional events schedule. In addition to Beer & Bio, watch for  Member Open Houses and  topics spanning  business and science to help YOU gain momentum and stay connected.  We’re expanding the signature events also with

• The Fore AZBio Golf Tournament – April 20, 2012
• AZBio’s Washington DC Fly-In with BIO – April 24-25, 2012
• AZBio Expo and online virtual AZBio Exposition– May 2012
• Arizona Pavilion at BIO in Boston – June 18-21, 2012
• AZBio/ATIC Conference on TeleHealth and EMR – September 20,  2012
• AZBio Awards – September, 2012
• 2012 Trailblazer Awards – December, 2012

On the government affairs front, our Government Affairs Committee will meet monthly to guide us on implementation of the AZBio 2012 Policy Initiatives – check out the AZBio  Events Listing for times and locations.   Regionally the  Beer & Bio’s  begin again in all three regions  (North/Central/South) beginning in January.  It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends, make new connections, and  stay engaged.

AZBio is committed to supporting the Arizona Bioindustry as it continues to gain momentum across the state.  Check out the 2012 AZBio prospectus to learn how you can help us  gain momentum and together we will all move forward faster.

It starts with membership and builds when you get involved.  To join AZBio and learn how you can partner statewide visit www.azbio.org/join.

Partners

We’ve made a lot of progress in 2011 – and we did not do it alone.  Thank you to all of our wonderful partners fort making it possible:

AZBio Supporters help AZBio support you.

Legacy Level: Arizona Commerce Authority  Flinn Foundation

Chairman Level: UpStream Consulting

Leadership Level: 360 VANTAGE Celgene Corporation KCA   Polsinelli Shughart   Northern Arizona University   Snell and Wilmer   VWR

Gold Level: Affordable Image  ASU SkySong BIO Drip Media  Ernst and Young  EmpowHER Media Medtronic Tempe Campus PADT Medical Provista Diagnostics   Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.

Silver Level:
City of Phoenix  Fennemore Craig  Genentech  Lohman Company, PLLC   Pfizer  PhRMA  The CORE Institute  The Phoenix Business Journal  The University of Arizona  The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University