User:BioNJ/sandbox

=BioNJ= Founded in 1994 and formerly the Biotechnology Council of New Jersey, BioNJ has been hard at work in its mission to enhance the climate for biotechnology in the state. As the representative of an industry that has the potential to change the course of human health, make our environment cleaner and the foods we eat safer and healthier, BioNJ is single-minded in its commitment to the growth and prosperity of this industry within the state of New Jersey.

Working to advance the biotechnology industry, BioNJ focuses on public policy, education, networking, and Member services to help foster the growth and prosperity of this important industry. Bringing together some of the industry's top CEOs, decision makers and Senators, BioNJ never stops its drive to support the industry.

Currently, over 300 Member organizations partner with BioNJ to help advance the industry. Some recent advancements include:

Public Policy

 * BioNJ worked with BIO and U.S. Senator Robert Menedez to develop the Therapeutic Discovery Project Credit which was included in the Health Care Reform bill to deliver $1 Billion to the industry in response to the economic crisis.
 * BioNJ conceived of and advocated successfully for the Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program, which gives biotech companies much needed cash. Since the program’s 1999 start, BioNJ has also made the case successfully for important changes that have made the program increasingly valuable to industry companies.
 * Working collaboratively with State government, BioNJ proposed and supported the establishment of the Garden State Life Sciences Fund, a $40 million fund that has invested in NJ biotechnology companies.The Business Employment Incentive Program was enhanced to allow biotechnology companies to qualify for the grant program with a minimum of 10 jobs created. This was reduced from the former 75-job creation minimum.
 * The Business Retention and Relocation Assistance Grant (BRRAG) program, which encourages companies to remain or relocate in NJ and rewards them with grants based on a percentage of payroll taxes, was established in concert with BioNJ.

Education and Networking

 * BioNJ continues to bring the industry together at a variety of important gatherings throughout the year. With more than 700 registrants, BioNJ's 20th Annual Dinner Meeting, Awards Program and Networking Event brought together thought-leaders and industry experts.
 * BioNJ continues to present a series of member forums directed to chief financial officers, business development executives and human resource administrators to facilitate professional growth and interaction, and in May 2009 Biosimilars and Product Liabilitybecame the first new session in our new “Breakfast Briefings” series.Member

Services

 * BioNJ members have saved millions of dollars on Fisher Scientific lab supplies through an innovative purchasing program.
 * Through BioNJ's Joint Benefits Agreement with BIO, in addition to discounts on Directors and Officers (D&O) and Employment Practices Liability (EPL) Insurance, BioNJ offers discounts on office supplies, furniture and equipment, computer and technology products, news distribution, 401K plans, employment background screening and drug testing services and moving and storage.
 * BioNJ also supports a headline news service on our home page, providing members with real time reports via BusinessWire about biotech companies in New Jersey, the nation and international markets.

Workforce Solutions
Category:Biotechnology Category:BioNJ Category:Pharmaceuticals policy Category:Biopharmaceuticals Category:Trade associations
 * BioNJ is a leader in a number of workforce solution initiatives taking place throughout the State, participating in coalitions involving the State’s leading universities, colleges and county colleges. Members can take advantage of a variety of programs to train your employees or find new ones.