2012 Top Ten: Absolutely PR's Most Popular Tweets of the Past Year

Absolutely PR's top tweets for 2012, with client noted:

#1 - May 14, 2012 for Colorado BioScience Association – 33 Clicks - CBSA Applauds Dr. Larry Gold and Team for Organizing Gold Labs Symposium http://ow.ly/aUoHH  #PersonalizedMedicine via @COBioscience (Gold Labs program logo pictured)

#2 - Oct 22, 2012 for Colorado BioScience Association – 26 Clicks - Business Insider: 'Introducing Colorado Entrepreneurial By Nature' Join Now http://ow.ly/eGbLg  #Colorado #BusinessFriendly via...

#3 - Apr 17, 2012 for Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority – 21 Clicks - Aurora Sentinel: 'Denise Brown stepping down from unique Colo projects and an industry she helped create' http://ow.ly/akcia  via @DenverPR

#4 - May 25, 2012 for Cat Care Society – 15 Clicks - Cat Care Society's Abbi Collins: 'How To Foster A Cat' in The Daily Cat http://ow.ly/b8AM5  #Cats #Kittens #AnimalRescue via...

#5 - Nov 5, 2012 for Cat Care Society – 13 Clicks - Cat Care Society Is Celebrating #DenverArtsWeek With the Launch of the 2013 Tails of the Painted Cats http://ow.ly/f2jsa  via...

#6 - Jun 29, 2012 for Colorado BioScience Association – 11 Clicks - BIO-Supreme Court 'Ruling Must Now Lead to Implementation That Will Promote Innovation and Expand Access' http://ow.ly/bTY4m  via...

#7 - Dec 12, 2012 for Cat Care Society – 7 Clicks - Volunteer Kay & handsome Phelps on Petline9 this a.m. http://twitpic.com/blcmq5 w/ ‏@Amelia__Earhart http://ow.ly/g2rSp  via...

#8 - Apr 3, 2012 for Colorado BioScience Association – 6 Clicks - CaridianBCT becomes Terumo BCT: Focusin on Blood Banking, Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapies http://ow.ly/a3UXY  via @COBioscience

#9 - Jan 23, 2012 General Business Tweet – 4 Clicks - Fortune/CNN Money: Google tops list of Best Companies to work for http://ow.ly/8CQLf  #TopCompanies via @AbsolutelyPR

#10 - Aug 28, 2012 for Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority – 4 Clicks - Aurora Sentinel: 'FRA celebrates grand opening of new wing' http://ow.ly/diwTC  #Colorado #Biotech #MedDevice via @FitzLifeSci

Link to the Absolutely PR Twitter Feed

Link to today's PR Newswire: "Denver's Absolutely PR Provides A Look Back at 2012"

Absolutely PR 2012: Year-end Review, Campaigns and Placements

Happy New Year!

Absolutely PR 2012: Year-end Review, Campaigns and Placements

Here's a walk down the 2012 memory lane - January through December - of pitches and placements of note by Maggie Chamberlin Holben's Absolutely Public Relations consulting firm:

JANUARY

Campaign: Bell Aquaculture Teams with Indiana Soybean Alliance, Virginia Cobia Farms and The Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/1/prweb9132484.htm

Placement: FIS United States: Bell Aquaculture joined forces to present the Future of Fish - http://fis.com/fis/worldnews/search_brief.asp?l=e&id=49396&ndb=1

Additional January Placement of Note for Bell Aquaculture: Better Homes and Gardens Country Gardens: 'Organic Fertilizers' - Bell Aquaculture Fish Rich http://indianayellowperch.blogspot.com/2012/01/better-homes-gardens-country-gardens.html

FEBRUARY

Campaign: Valentine's Cat Show Featuring 225 Pedigreed and Non-Pedigreed Cats Benefits Cat Care Society February 18 and 19 at the Adams County Fairgrounds - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9190503.htm

Placement: Denver Post - http://denvercatcare.blogspot.com/2012/02/denver-post-photos-cat-fanciers.html

MARCH

Campaign: Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority Names New President and CEO - http://www.pitchengine.com/fitzsimonsredevelopmentauthority/fitzsimons-redevelopment-authority-names-new-president--ceo

Placement: Denver Business Journal: http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/print-edition/2012/07/13/fitzsimons-changes-focus-to-better.html?page=all

APRIL

Campaign: Colorado BioScience Association Appoints Four Industry Leaders to Board of Directors - http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120405005052/en/Colorado-BioScience-Association-Appoints-Industry-Leaders-Board

Placement: Northern Colorado Business Report - http://www.ncbr.com/article/20120405/NEWS/120409955

MAY

Campaign: Bell Aquaculture Launches Fish Rich™ 2-2-2 Organic and Fish Rich+ 6-3-3 Fertilizers at 2012 National Hardware Show - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/5/prweb9449743.htm

Placement: Suburban Jungle Blog Review - 'Organic Gardening with Fish Rich Fertilizer... Berries + Fish = Wow' - http://indianayellowperch.blogspot.com/2012/05/suburban-jungle-organic-gardening-with.html

JUNE

Campaign: Westminster's Aar River Gallery Hosts Cat Care Society 'Tails of the Painted Cats' Wine and Cheese Reception June 29th, Featuring Cat Care Vineyards Wine Tasting - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/6/prweb9591196.htm

Placement: Denver Post - 'It's a cat thing and an art thing' - http://denvercatcare.blogspot.com/2012/06/denver-post-its-cat-thing-and-art-thing.html

JULY

Campaign: New Data Shows Colorado’s Bioscience Industry Outpaced National Growth Since 2001 and Continued Adding Jobs Overall Since 2007 - http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120629005849/en/Data-Shows-Colorado%E2%80%99s-Bioscience-Industry-Outpaced-National

Placement: Aurora Sentinel - 'Colorado makes its mark in bioscience as the industry roars to life nationwide' - http://www.aurorasentinel.com/news/claim-to-fame-colorado-makes-its-mark-in-bioscience-as-the-industry-roars-to-life-nationwide/

AUGUST

Campaign: Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority Opens New Accelerator Facility, Significantly Expanding Capabilities at its Bioscience Park Ctr in the Fitzsimons Life Science District - http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fitzsimons-redevelopment-authority-opens-new-accelerator-facility-significantly-expanding-capabilities-at-its-bioscience-park-center-in-the-fitzsimons-life-science-district-167020545.html  

Placement: Denver Post - 'Four growing biotech firms move into Fitzsimons Accelerator Building' - http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_21378233/four-growing-biotech-firms-move-into-fitzsimons-accelerator

SEPTEMBER

Campaign: 2012 BioWest Conference & Expo Showcases 40+ New Technologies, Products and Services for the Region’s Robust Bioscience Industry - http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120904005280/en/2012-BioWest-Conference-Expo-Showcases-40-Technologies

Placement: Colorado Public Radio's Colorado Matters: 'Colorado Biotech's Big Day' - http://www.cpr.org/#load_article|Colorado_Biotechs_Big_Day

Placement: 9News - 'Fort Collins co. making strides in doggie cancer' - http://coloradobio.blogspot.com/2012/09/9news-fort-collins-co-making-strides-in.html

OCTOBER

Campaign: Bell Aquaculture Exhibits New Fish Rich™ 2-2-2 Organic Fertilizer at the 2012 Garden Writers Association Symposium in Tucson, Booth #302 - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/10/prweb10001888.htm

Placement: FIS United States -

http://www.fis-net.com/fis/worldnews/search_brief.asp?l=e&id=56128&ndb=1&monthyear=10-2012&day=&country=0&df=1

NOVEMBER

Campaign: April Giles Named President and CEO of the Colorado BioScience Association - http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121108006136/en/April-Giles-Named-President-CEO-Colorado-BioScience

Placement: Boulder County Business Report - 'Giles named to head bioscience association' - http://www.bcbr.com/article/20121108/NEWS/121109930

DECEMBER

Campaign: Colorado BioScience Association Awards the Industry’s Best of 2012 - http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121206005810/en/Colorado-BioScience-Association-Awards-Industry%E2%80%99s-2012

Placement: Denver Business Journal - Colorado BioScience Association hands out nine awards -
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/print-edition/2012/12/14/colorado-bioscience-association-hands.html?page=all
 
Moving forward, please check back at these news feed blogs for more news and information...

Colorado BioScience Association - http://coloradobio.blogspot.com  

Bell Aquaculture - http://indianayellowperch.blogspot.com

Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority - http://fitzsimonsredevelopment.blogspot.com  

Cat Care Society - http://denvercatcare.blogspot.com

Denver PR News and Information - http://denverpr.blogspot.com

About Absolutely Public Relations

Absolutely PR specializes in media relations, the strategies and tactics necessary to achieve impactful editorial placements in international, national, trade press, local and social/digital media space. Visit http://www.AbsolutelyPR.com or the company's Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/AbsolutelyPR.

Contact: Maggie Holben, Absolutely Public Relations - 303-984-9801 - maggie@absolutelypr.com  

CBSA 2012 Awards: Best Of Colorado's Bioscience Industry

Recipients of 2012 CBSA Awards include:

Educator of the Year - Shawndra Fordham, Biotech Teacher, Rock Canyon High School (Highlands Ranch) Shawndra Fordham’s enthusiasm and dedication to education has created one of the best programs in the state and has made an impact on her students and the industry. She has helped secure thousands of dollars in grant funding from federal institutions, foundations and industry and has created a program that challenges college curriculums around the country and her students have gone on to STEM focused majors and careers. Visit: http://go.dcsdk12.org/rchs

Volunteer of the Year - Mark Spiecker, CEO, Sharklet Technologies (Aurora) Mark Spiecker is the Education Chair of the CBSA Board of Directors and a founding Board member of the new Colorado Bioscience Institute. He has been integral in developing key strategic efforts and partnerships with the Colorado education community. Visit: http://www.sharklet.com/about-us/management

Volunteer of the Year - Nicole Garneau, Ph.D., Curator and Chair of the Health Sciences Department, Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Denver) Dr. Garneau is Co-Chair of the CBSA Education Committee and a founding Board member of the new Colorado Bioscience Institute. She has been instrumental in developing strategy and implementing the successful internship program. Visit: http://www.dmns.org/nicole

Business Partner of the Year – Rockies Venture Club (Denver) Rockies Venture Club (RVC) has successfully partnered with CBSA to support Colorado’s bioscience industry. RVC has added active angel groups, sophisticated training and education, and events to assist early stage company funding. Visit: http://www.rockiesventureclub.org

Business Partner of the Year – Dorsey and Whitney LLP (Denver) Dorsey and Whitney has been a long standing supporting partner for Colorado’s bioscience industry; supporting the annual conference and the BioBoot Camp program. This year they dedicated countless hours of pro bono and consulting services to establish the new Colorado Bioscience Institute. Visit: http://www.dorsey.com

Rising Star of the Year - Sophono (Boulder) Sophono manufactures implanted magnetic hearing devices. This year the company has secured $7 million in new growth capital financing to fuel product and business development efforts. They have tripled their square footage to expand their manufacturing facilities in Boulder. Visit: http://sophono.com

2012 'Rising Star of the Year' Finalists included: InDevR, Inc., Boulder (http://www.indevr.com); Mosaic Biosciences, Aurora and Boulder (http://www.mosaicbio.com); and Surefire Medical, Inc., Westminster (http://www.surefiremedical.com).  

Company of the Year - TOLMAR (Fort Collins) TOLMAR is a pharmaceutical research, development, manufacturing, and commercial operations company that has seen tremendous growth this past year. The pharmaceutical company announced their expansion into a 146,000-square-foot building in Windsor. TOLMAR is continually engaged in community efforts for the industry and partnered with CBSA this summer to launch the internship program. Visit: http://www.tolmar.com

2012 'Company of the Year' Finalists included: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc., Colorado Springs (http://www.balseal.com) and Covidien (Colorado operations), Boulder (http://www.covidien.com).

Chairman’s Award - Sheridan Ross (Denver) Sheridan Ross played a significant role in the coordination and application efforts to bring a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to Denver. John Posthumus, Partner and Patent Attorney at Sheridan Ross worked with local, state and federal legislators along with business and economic development leaders for many years to accomplish this major development in the Colorado economy that will impact the bioscience industry in the years to come. Visit: http://www.sheridanross.com

Lifetime Achievement Award - William Freytag, Ph.D., Former Chairman and CEO, Myogen (Boulder) Dr. Freytag’s 25 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries include serving as Chairman and CEO of Myogen Inc. plus other senior executive and research positions. He currently serves on multiple boards including the BioFrontiers Institute, Board of Trustees of the University of Colorado Foundation, and the Fitzsimmons Redevelopment Authority. Visit: http://leeds.colorado.edu/board/freytag

CBSA also announced the new Colorado BioScience Institute to its community at the Annual Awards Dinner Celebration December 6th with this video overview:

http://youtu.be/2qgVEgNTlwI

Video by Robin Bond Media: http://robinbondmedia.com

Link to view all the video highlights of the celebration: http://coloradobio.blogspot.com/2012/12/video-highlights-colorado-bioscience.html

Link to the BusinessWire

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media News Release

Colorado BioScience Association Announces Finalists for 'Company of the Year' at its Annual Awards Celebration, December 6th

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) has released the finalists for the 'Company of the Year' award at its Annual Awards Dinner Celebration -- Thursday, December 6, at the Hyatt Convention Center, 650 15th Street, Denver. The announcement is made by April Giles, CBSA President and CEO, who says finalists for this year's outstanding bioscience company in the state include:

* Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. - Colorado Springs - http://www.balseal.com  
* Covidien (Colorado operations) - Boulder - http://www.covidien.com  
* TOLMAR Inc. - Fort Collins - http://www.tolmar.com

"Our Company of the Year award is the highest honor we designate for an established bioscience company exhibiting stellar achievement in the industry," Giles explains. This year's 'Company of the Year' winner will be announced at the Awards Celebration and join a select group of companies that over the years has included Roche Colorado (2003), Pharmion (2004), Baxa Corporation (2005), Myogen (2006), Allosource (2007), CaridianBCT (2008), Accera (2009), Amgen Colorado (2010) and LABS Inc. (2011).

Additional awards announced at the dinner include: Lifetime Achievement, Rising Star of the Year, Business Partner of the Year, Educator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Chairman’s Award. Earlier this month the CBSA announced finalists for the 'Rising Star of the Year" award, which included: InDevR, Inc., Boulder (http://www.indevr.com); Mosaic Biosciences, Aurora and Boulder (http://www.mosaicbio.com); Sophono, Inc., Boulder (http://www.sophono.com); and Surefire Medical, Inc., Westminster (http://www.surefiremedical.com).

Link to the Business Wire Release 

BCBR: 'Local firms to vie for bioscience award'

Quoting from the November 19th posting by Beth Potter:

"Three Boulder companies and another one that started in Boulder are finalists for the 'Rising Star of the Year' award from the Colorado BioScience Association, an industry trade group...

...The finalists are: biotechnology research company InDevR Inc. in Boulder, which makes diagnostic tests; medical device company Sophono Inc. in Boulder, which makes a hearing aid device; research company Mosaic Biosciences Inc. in Boulder and Aurora, which makes a gel bandage; and medical-device company Surefire Medical Inc. in Westminster, which makes a microcatheter used in procedures to treat liver and kidney cancer. Surefire started in Boulder in 2009...

...The dinner includes the keynote address, 'Why Giving Matters,' by George Sparks, president and chief executive of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Tickets are available for $150 each, or $1,250 for a reserved table for eight for members. Register at http://www.cobioscience.com/events-calendar/annual-awards-dinner."

Link to the Boulder County Business Report

April Giles Named President and CEO of the Colorado BioScience Association

April Giles, Executive Vice President of the Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) for the past two and a half years, has been named President and CEO following an extensive national executive search conducted by an ad hoc committee of the CBSA Board of Directors.
The announcement is made by Steve Orndorff, CBSA Board Chairperson and President/CEO of Ariel Pharmaceuticals.

"Our search committee worked very hard to find the best qualified person to lead the CBSA into its next phase of growth. In testament to April's tremendous talent and extensive experience in the association management and bioscience industry, we learned the best person for the job was already part of the CBSA leadership team," Orndorff explains.

Giles replaces Holli Riebel, who resigned in June to accept the Chief Operations Officer position at the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. In the interim, Giles had been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the association.

Link to the Business Wire Posting

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Colorado Matters: 'Colorado Biotech's Big Day'

Quoting from the Colorado Public Radio overview about the 2012 BioWest Conference and Expo's Venture Showcase competition:

"In a downtown Denver ballroom, the white coats meet the suits. Colorado’s top biotech scientists step out of their labs and run their big ideas by venture capitalists. The idea is to bring new products to market. It's the 'venture showcase' put on by the Colorado BioScience Association."

Link to CPR's Colorado Matters website

Link to the interview with Colorado BioScience Association EVP April Giles

Link to the BioWest webpage (registration is available at the Marriott City Center Denver tomorrow September 11, 2012)

Denver Post: 'Four growing biotech firms move into Fitzsimons Accelerator Building'

Quoting from the August 23rd article by John Mossman:

"The Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority is celebrating the move of four startup companies from the Bioscience Park Center 'incubator' to its new wing known as the 'accelerator.'

The four biotech companies — Mitomics USA, Greffex Inc., Touch of Life Technologies and Light Labs — are among 39 firms that have been housed in Bioscience Park Center. They have run out of room and are graduating to the $8 million, three-story, 37,000-square-foot expansion, taking up most of that space. The new facility already is 78 percent leased.

'It's a nice problem to have when you haven't even opened your new building yet and you could potentially now be limited in space again,' said the authority's new president and chief executive, Steve VanNurden."

Link to denverpost.com

Aurora Sentinel: 'FRA celebrates grand opening of new wing'

Quoting from the August 22nd Aurora Sentinel:

"The FRA on Wednesday unveiled the new wing at their headquarters, a state-of-the-art addition that dramatically expanded the building at 12635 E. Montview Boulevard by about 50 percent. Steve VanNurdern, the FRA’s executive director, the new space is already about 80 percent full.

The FRA’s grand opening was scheduled for July 25, but they pushed it back to Aug. 22 because of the Aurora theater shootings. The first new tenant, Greffex Inc., moved into its new space this month. Next month, the other three new tenants — Mitomics, Touch of Life Technologies and LightLabs — are scheduled to move in.

The new wing will add about 40,000 square feet to the 60,000-square-foot home to the FRA and hub of the burgeoning Life Science District. The project is an important step for the district, officials say, because it will provide space for more advanced companies that are ready to take the next step beyond the facilities the building currently offers."

Link to the Aurora Sentinel

Colorado: Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority Opens New Accelerator in its Life Science District

Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA) officially opens its new $8 million, 37,000 square-foot Accelerator Building today, adjacent to its original Incubator Building at the Bioscience Park Center (BCP) in the Fitzsimons Life Science District.

The announcement is made by Steve VanNurden, FRA President and CEO, who says, "The addition of this Accelerator will offer companies growing in the Incubator an opportunity to expand and continue their expansion nearby."

The FRA's original Incubator Building opened in 2000 and now houses 35 companies in different stages of development. The expansion will enable companies to move into larger, long-term space. The new space includes:

* Built-to-suit spaces with access to incubator services and amenities

* World class resources at your finger tips - university research facilities and major medical centers

* Collaborative environment with complimentary business and networking opportunities

"The Bioscience Park Center is designed to foster a collaborative environment—by having established companies in close proximity to incubator startups—further promoting an essential atmosphere that makes the Fitzsimons Life Science District an important hub in the overall growth of Colorado’s bioscience industry," VanNurden explains. "Companies relocating to the Accelerator include: Mitomics, Touch of Life Technologies, LightLabs and Greffex."

Concurrent with the Accelerator's completion, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) has been retained by the FRA to market its new facility adjacent to the Business Incubator. Speaking on behalf of the national firm, JLL Broker Lindsay Gilbert says, "Colorado's Bioscience Industry is poised for growth, particularly at the research and patient-centric life sciences district at Fitzsimons. Our firm is thrilled to be partnering with Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority at this time of explosive growth for the district."

Link to the PR Web Newswire

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Denver Post: 'Tails of the Painted Cats: A purr-fect way to raise money for the Cat Care Society'

Saturday, July 28 was the second Tails of the Painted Cats gala fundraiser, and it was a great success! Thank you to everyone who attended, who bid, and who helped bring the event to fruition!

Read Denver Post Society Editor Joanne Davidson's article here (it was also in the Sunday, August 5th printed edition of the paper): http://blogs.denverpost.com/style/2012/08/05/cat-care-societys-purrfect/

Plus check out the Denver Post photos online: http://photos.denverpost.com/2012/08/05/tails-of-the-painted-cats-a-purr-fect-event-for-the-cat-care-society/

And visit the Tails of the Painted Cats Facebook Page to see pictures from the event: http://www.facebook.com/TailsofthePaintedCats

See who the lucky winners were for each cat here: http://www.catcaresociety.org/paintedcats_results_2012.html

And, last but not least there are videos to check out: http://denvercatcare.blogspot.com/2012/08/video-highlights-tails-of-painted-cats.html

Penny Parker's Mile High Life: 'These cats may tickle your fancy'

Quoting from Penny Parker's new column, Mile High Life, in Denver's suburban newspaper consortium, Our Colorado News:

"Cat lovers can grab a kitty by the tail during Tails of the Painted Cats 2012, an auction and purr-fect dinner and gala July 28 at Lakewood Country Club to benefit the Cat Care Society...

...The event emcee is Ed Greene, CBS4 weather whiz. Auctioneers are Warren and Terri Smith of Two for the Show Auctions. Individual tickets for the gala are $75. New this year is a $100 patron ticket to a private VIP meet-and-greet prior to the dinner, where Greene will sign the 2013 "weather cat" painted cat.

The silent auction at the gala will include a Tower of Wine with 36 bottles (including pricey French labels and Marilyn Merlots) that attendees can bid on in addition to the Painted Cats...

...Tickets for the July 28 gala dinner and auction are available at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com"

Link to Penny's column and pictures of several of the Painted Cats

Link to the Photo Gallery

9News Denver: 'Colo. bioscience industry, patients to benefit from new law'

CBSA Pres/CEO Holli Riebel interviewed with 9News yesterday regarding the new federal law that cuts the FDA's approval timetable for new drugs. Quoting from the 9News posting:

"Supporters say the bill would benefit hundreds of Colorado startups that are developing novel medicines and therapies. They say the provision could also help severely ill patients who are willing to take experimental drugs that haven't undergone the full battery of tests for all possible side effects and complications...

...About 600 bioscience companies, research institutions and venture capital groups in Colorado employ about 20,000 people, and the industry continues to grow despite the sluggish economy, according to the Colorado Bioscience Association."

Link to the video report or view here:



http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=277012

LifeScience: 'Aurora Bioscience district gets new boss with big experience'

Quoting from the July 3 Aurora Sentinel article by Brandon Johansson:

"Steve VanNurden is excited for the new expansion wing at the Bioscience Park Center, Thursday afternoon, June 28, at the Fitzsimons Life Science District. VanNurden took over as President and CEO in late May...

...That growth and the momentum he sees being built was what drew VanNurden from Mayo Clinic Ventures in Rochester, Minn. to the FRA.

VanNurden started at Mayo 22 years ago after a career with agriculture-industry giant Cargill.

A few years prior, Mayo had launched Mayo Clinic Ventures, which aimed to take the world-class research happening at Mayo, and turn it into bioscience and biotechnology companies.

Since then, he helped start about 50 individual companies.

That ability to take the ideas that sprout from medical research and turn them into profitable companies has local officials excited about VanNurden’s arrival at the FRA.

Mark Spiecker, CEO of Sharklet Technologies, one of the 39 companies at the FRA’s Bioscience Park Center, said VanNurden is the perfect fit for the organization.

Across the health-care industry, Mayo is seen as a model for technology development and funding, Spiecker said, and Mayo Clinic Ventures is well-known as a place where breakthrough technologies become startup companies.

'Having a guy that used to run that program is a great opportunity for us,' he said.

Holli Riebel, CEO of the Colorado Bioscience Association, said landing VanNurden was a sign that Colorado’s burgeoning bioscience industry is gaining credibility around the country. 'I think it’s a real coup for us to be able to attract Steve,' she said.

His background with starting bioscience companies will be ideal at the FRA, where officials have announced an enhanced focus on building relationships with the rest of the state’s bioscience industry, she said.

'That’s really what we’re trying to do,' she said."

Link to the full article

NCBR: 'Colorado medical device companies grow'

Quoting from the June 29th posting:

"The number of Colorado medical device companies grew by nearly 20 percent in Colorado in the last decade, according to a new bioscience report.

Furthermore, the state showed a 16.1 percent employment growth in the medical device sector from 2001 to 2010, the nonprofit Colorado BioScience Association said Friday. The association cited data from a recent report compiled by global research and development group Battelle and the Biotechnology Industry Organization."

Link to the Northern Colorado Business Report

CBSA Releases 2012 Edition of Bioscience Colorado Magazine - Colorado Centers of Excellence: Elevated Thinking

The 2012 issue of Bioscience Colorado highlights centers of excellence within the state, including Cancer, Infectious Disease, Respiratory, Cardiac and Biofuels. The research the writers and experts have compiled for this issue illustrates that there are several components—infrastructure, expertise, industry connections, and patient outcomes. Each article focuses on a center and examines the elements that make it truly excellent.

The new issue also includes:

* Complete listing of every bioscience company in the state

* Annual industry financing and investment overview

* Bioscience Discovery Evaluation Grant Program (BDEGP) update

This publication is an integral part of the Association’s mission to support the Colorado bioscience community through advocacy, resources and advancement of opportunities for collaboration. It reaches thousands of bioscience, economic development, legislative, university and industry leaders.

The new magazine rolls out the industry’s new branding campaign for Bioscience in Colorado: Elevated Thinking. We have some of the top research institutions in the country and over 600 bioscience companies led by the best in the industry—creating the vision and drive to succeed. That’s why so many great ideas that impact the globe start and grow here in Colorado.

Link to the magazine pdf

Link to the Business Wire release

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media newswire

2012 Class of 'Boettcher Investigators' Announced

The Boettcher Foundation Board of Trustees has released the names of the three early-career scientists selected for the third class of Boettcher Investigators in the Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Program.

Timothy W. Schultz, President and Executive Director of the Boettcher Foundation, said "Through this program, the Boettcher Foundation has been able to bring resources to an area where funds are currently lacking and where federal and private research programs provide limited support. Early-career investigators quite frequently have a difficult time securing a first opportunity at an independent research effort that will move them out of the laboratory of their mentors and onto their own new and exciting areas of discovery."

The 2012 (third) Class of Boettcher Investigators in the Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Program includes:

* Harald Junge, Ph.D. , University of Colorado at Boulder, Retinal Vascular Development and Disease

* Matthew Kennedy, Ph.D., University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Pathology

* Chad G. Pearson, Ph.D., University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, Organization of the Microtubule Cytoskeleton for Cell Division and Signaling

With the addition of the 2012 Class, there are now fourteen Boettcher Investigators conducting research in the following Colorado institutions: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, National Jewish Health and Colorado School of Mines.

Link to the Business Wire release

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Grow: 'FISH FERTILIZER - American Indian planting wisdom'

Quoting from the Denver Post Garden Center - 5/18/12:

"Feed your plants with an organic fertilizer inspired by generations who have lived off the land. The new Fish Rich Organic 2-2-2 Fertilizer is made from processing remains at one of the country's largest yellow perch farms — Bell Aquaculture in Indiana — and approved for organic crop production under the USDA National Organic Program. $8.95 for a quart or $25.95 for a gallon at bellaquaculture.com."

Link to the Product Spotlight

CBSA Applauds Dr. Larry Gold & Team for Organizing Gold Labs Symposium 2012

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) applauds organizers of the third annual Gold Lab Symposium that will take place on the University of Colorado campus with over 400 attendees, on Friday and Saturday, May 18 - 19, 2012. The two-day event titled “Time: Tempus Fugit” brings 16 renown national and international scientists and healthcare experts together to discuss progress and issues in personalized medicine.

The announcement is made by Holli Riebel, CBSA President & CEO, who says, “We are honored to assist the Gold Lab Symposium—the speakers are incredible visionaries from an array of diverse fields. Every year I am personally inspired and amazed by the groundbreaking thought leaders Dr. Gold is able to bring together in one room.”

The Gold Lab Symposia were initiated in 2010 to bring together an intelligent community of scientists, industry leaders and policy experts to foster discussion about biological innovations and the improvement of health care. “Each year our Colorado bioscience community looks forward to the Symposium. We have some of the top research institutions in the country and 600 bioscience companies—creating the vision and drive to tackle these huge global issues,” explains Riebel.

This year the sessions will cover the expanding scientific basis of personalized medicine; explore drug targets and development, and consider the impact of education, aging, chronic conditions, and immunology on the evolution of healthcare. Presentations on healthcare economics and efficiency and reflections on the future also are included. Visit to review the 2012 itinerary: http://www.cobioscience.com/Events/Symposium_flyer2012_4-5.pdf

Link to the Business Wire release

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Cat Care Society Hosts a Benefit Brew, Thursday Evening, May 10th, at Wystone’s World Teas in Belmar

Cat Care Society (CCS) will receive 25% of the proceeds from a Benefit Brew at Wystone's World Teas, 7323 W. Alaska Dr. in the Belmar Shopping District, on Thursday, May 10, 5 – 9 p.m. The announcement is made by CCS President Diane Stoner, who says: "Our Society's supporters will learn about and celebrate the health benefits of black, green, white, and oolong teas, plus enjoy Wystone's delicious entree items, while benefiting our shelter cats and programs. Plus, 2% of online sales for the next year will also benefit Cat Care Society." Link here so your online purchases from Wystone's World Teas can benefit Cat Care Society: http://wystonestea.com?afid=22

Wystone’s offers a full menu, such as pitzas, pulled pork and salmon sliders, soups, paninis, wraps, sandwiches and quiche for an evening meal (gluten-free items are available). Plus, there are the traditional scones with Devonshire cream and fresh fruit preserves, cucumber tea sandwiches and egg salad expected at a tea cafe. Don’t forget dessert – for instance, try the African Rooibos tea-infused carrot cake, cherry cheese cake, pudding cake or the gelato bar. To make reservations or view Wystone's World Teas' menus, visit: http://www.wystonestea.com/Cafe.aspx

Claudia Monette - one of Cat Care Society's 2012 Painted Cats will be at the Wystone World Teas Benefit Brew on May 10th. Claudia is part of the CCS Tails of the Painted Cats fundraiser currently going on through July 28th. Local artist Jane McFadden Dorsey has again created the project's official 'drawing kitty' this year, Claudia Monette. For a $10.00 donation per ticket, names are entered in a drawing to take her home the evening of the Gala Dinner Auction at Lakewood Country Club in July. To view all of the 2012 Painted Cats, visit: http://www.catcaresociety.org/paintedcatsgallery.html

Link to the PR Newswire

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

The Wystone's World Teas Story http://youtu.be/N8s3vwwDEA4

Cat Care Society's Public Service Announcement http://youtu.be/2mX8IFi6wMM

Larger-than-life Painted Cats will again be raising funds for Cat Care Society shelter cats

The 2012 'Tails of the Painted Cats,' the Cat Care Society's lineup of 18 one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life artwork cats - created by accomplished area artists - will debut during the month of May at the Lakewood Arts Council Co-op Gallery, 85 South Union Blvd., Suite C. A reception, open to the general public at the LAC Gallery, is Thursday, May 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The announcement is made by CCS President Diane Stoner, who says, "Our wonderful Painted Cats will again be raising funds for Cat Care Society's shelter cats and community outreach programs. Last year, we raised more than our $30,000 goal, and hope to do the same with our project this year." (that's Little Roar by Jane McFadden Dorsey pictured - http://www.catcaresociety.org/pc_little_roar.html)

Some of the Painted Cats are standing, and some are sitting, but they are all unique, original decorator pieces. You can visit the Online Gallery at http://www.catcaresociety.org/paintedcatsgallery.html - the larger (about 28" tall) Painted Cats each have an opening bid of $300 and the smaller Painted Cats open at $150. Advanced online bidding is available at http://BidOnACat.blogspot.com through Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at noon (MDT). Advanced bids can also be placed by calling Suellen Scott, CCS director of development, at 303-239-9680, ext. 19.

After the LAC Gallery during May, the second tour stop will be the Santa Fe Arts District during June, where the Painted Cats will be separated at galleries throughout the area in time for the First Friday Art Walk. Next, they will make an appearance at the Aar River Gallery in Westminster on June 29th for a Cat Care Society wine tasting. From Westminster, the Painted Cats head to the Tennyson Street Cultural District and will be placed in various businesses and galleries during July.

On July 28th, the Painted Cats will be auctioned at Cat Care Society's Gala Dinner Auction at Lakewood Country Club. The emcee is Ed Greene, CBS4 weather and news anchor. The auctioneers are Warren and Terri Smith of Two for the Show Auctions. Individual tickets for the Gala are $75.00 each ($65.00 prior to June 1).  New this year is an individual patron ticket to a private VIP Meet & Greet prior to the dinner on July 28 where Ed Greene will sign the 2013 'Weather Cat' painted cat -- $100.00 each ($90.00 prior to June 1). Details regarding sponsorships, table upgrades and proxy bidding are also available by calling Suellen Scott, CCS director of development, at 303-239-9680, ext. 19.

Link to the PR Web newswire

Link ot the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Link to the Lakewood Pet Examiner's Recent Article

'The mother of inventions...Denise Brown stepping down from unique Colorado projects and an industry she helped create'

Quoting from the April 10th article on Denise Brown's career growing Colorado's Bioscience Industry by Brandon Johannson:

"When she retires next month, Brown will cap a career during which she has been as involved in Colorado and Aurora’s booming bioscience industry as just about anyone.

After working in the state legislature and the governor’s office, Brown spent 17 years at CU before launching the Colorado BioScience Association a decade ago."

Link to the Aurora Sentinel

Colorado BioScience Association Appoints Four Industry Leaders to Board of Directors

The Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) appointed four new board members at its 2012 Annual All-Member Meeting held at the Westin Westminster, Westminster, CO, yesterday. The announcement is made jointly by Steve Orndorff, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Holli Riebel, CBSA President & CEO of CBSA.

Newly appointed CBSA board members include:

* James Chomas, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Surefire Medical - Westminster - www.surefiremedical.com
* Scott Deeter, President & CEO, Ventria Bioscience - Fort Collins - www.ventria.com
* Brent Fassett, Partner, Cooley LLP - Broomfield - www.cooley.com
* Kerry Ingalls, Vice President of Colorado Operations, Amgen - Boulder/Longmont - www.amgen.com

Riebel says: "CBSA’s board is a prestigious group of industry leaders comprised of representatives of biotechnology, medical device, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, health care providers, research institutions and those businesses that provide critical services and products to bioscience companies. Board members commit to a three-year term to support CBSA’s mission to support the regional bioscience community through advocacy, resources and advancement of opportunities for collaboration. CBSA board members work in partnership with staff to support the drive and determination of over 600 Colorado bioscience companies that work to improve lives locally and around the world."

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank the retiring eleven directors for their service and welcome the four new appointees,” Orndorff stated. Special recognition was given to Norwood Robb for serving on the board for ten years. The Executive Officers , in addition to Orndorff, is now instated as Derek Cole, Board Vice Chair, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, ARCA Biopharma; Jim Wilson, Board Treasurer, Senior Audit Manager, Ernst & Young; and John Dunning, Board Secretary, President & CEO, Clarimedix Inc.

Link to the Business Wire Newswire

CBSA's March FOCUS Newsletter Features Covidien's New R&D Innovation Center

FOCUS Newsletter Page 2 Company Spotlight: "Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products, recently announced the opening of a 63,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Research & Development (R&D) Innovation Center in Boulder, CO.

In the last five years, Covidien has doubled R&D investments and introduced more than 100 new products. The Company’s goal is to continue to increase R&D spending to 5%-to-6% of sales, as it launches more than 50 products during the next two years. The opening of the Innovation Center in Boulder will be a catalyst for the expansion of R&D capabilities, spurring collaboration and creativity, while decreasing product time-to-market."

Other March FOCUS content includes:

From CBSA President Holli Riebel - Page 1
Medical Device Liability Protection - Page 3
Biotech Pharma Symposium - Page 4
Upcoming Events - Page 5

Link to the March FOCUS Newsletter pdf

Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority Names New President & CEO

Aurora, CO, March 14, 2012 - Following an extensive national search, Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA) has named Steve VanNurden as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, beginning in late May. The announcement is made by John M. Shaw, Chair of the FRA Board of Directors, who said: "Steve, a seasoned leader in the life science/bioscience space, comes to us from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota."

The appointment of Mr. VanNurden is further evidence of the FRA's continued commitment to support the development of life science companies in Colorado in partnership with the State’s research institutions. He will be working with universities, local economic development agencies, state and local governments, and the bioscience industry to promote the successful development of the 180 acre Colorado Science + Technology Park, which is adjacent to the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

Steve Hogan, Mayor of the City of Aurora and FRA Board member stated, “Steve is the partner we need to fulfill the promise of the bioscience industry park. His working relationships span nationally and internationally, which will be a great advantage for us.”

Steve VanNurden is currently Chair of Mayo Clinic Ventures, the invention arm for Mayo Clinic. Under Mr. VanNurden’s direction, this division is responsible for patenting and commercializing Mayo’s discoveries, inventions and other intellectual property. Since 1986, Mayo Clinic Ventures has successfully commercialized over 2,000 technologies and has been granted more than 1,200 patents. Under the guidance of Mr. VanNurden, Mayo’s technology based ventures efforts have paid off, resulting in the formation of 45+ Mayo Clinic start-up companies.

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Link to the PR Newswire Release

Denver Post YourHub: 'Parker Girl Scout troop helps cat food bank' at Denver's Cat Care Society

Quoting from the Parker, CO, YourHub:

"A Parker Girl Scout Troop’s journey of discovering about animals led to the girls making toys and dropping off supplies for Cat Care Society’s Nibbles & Kibbles Cat Food Bank in [Lakewood].

The food bank serves food and cat litter to cats whose owners cannot provide food and litter because of a temporary financial setback. The 10 girls of Troop 624 made cat toys using socks and catnip and collected food and cat litter.

'We want the girls to understand that not all animals have it as nice as theirs do,' said Mary Tate, troop leader. 'There’s a lot of cats out there that don’t have that and the Cat Care Society really works with people who can’t afford to feed their animals.'"

Photo ID: "Caitlin Tate, in purple, and India Choudhury helped deliver cat supplies and food to Cat Care Society's Nibbles & Kibbles Cat Food Bank (courtesy Mary Tate)."

Link to the posting

Denver Post Photos: 'Cat Fanciers Competition At Adams County Fairgrounds'

Quoting from the Denver Post Media Center: "Several hundred cats, 40 pedigreed breeds and one non-pedigreed household pet category, were judged in a 10-ring show. Cat Fanciers Association to benefit Cat Care Society, which offers low cost neuter and spay operations and free dental exams for cats throughout February."

Link to view the 14 photos by John Leyba

Link to the article by Kristen Leigh Painter - online and in print 2/20 page 23A

Check out our Cat Care Society slides from the event:


http://youtu.be/Jpry8lO2zTI

Denver Post: 'Colorado in running for U.S. patent satellite office'

Quoting from today's Denver Post article by Allison Sherry - @allisonsherry - on the 'Bring A Patent Office To Colorado' initiative:

"Holli Riebel, president of the Colorado BioScience Association, helped marshal signatures and support within her field for the office.

'Many times, things go to the coasts and they don't go to the middle of the country,' she said. 'I think there's a huge market that could be drawn from the middle. It's an easy place for everyone to get to, and we do have an international airport.'"

Link to the Denver Post article

View the related video:
http://youtu.be/xKW6j33EipQ

Link to the news release: 'Colorado Business Leaders Unveil New Report Making the Case for Patent Office in Denver'

CBSA January FOCUS Newsletter: Featuring Fitzsimons Bioscience Park's $8 Million Expansion and a Sneak Peek at CBSA's Plans for the Upcoming Year

Quoting CBSA President & CEO Holli Riebel:

"As we kick off the New Year at CBSA we are thankful for a great 2011 and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in 2012. Our community's spirit of innovation and history of success continues to push the bioscience industry forward. CBSA's strategic goals for the year are to:

* Promote a supportive regulatory and tax environment at the state and federal level.
* Increase access to capital.
* Brand Colorado's innovation in the bioscience industry.
* Enhance programs and services for our members.
* Create a bioscience community that fosters growth.

A feature detailing the $8 million expansion of the Fitzsimons Bioscience Park is on page 2.

Link to the January FOCUS newsletter

Denver Business Journal: 'VC-backed startups now free to chase SBIR grant money'

Quoting CBSA board members Mark Spiecker and Rick Duke in Greg Avery's article:

"The change will be particularly helpful to many early-stage bioscience companies in Colorado, making them eligible for a program that’s awarded $16 billion in grants since 1997.

'Everybody’s writing SBIR grants or counting on them in one way or another,' said Mark Spiecker, co-founder of Sharklet Technologies.

The Aurora-based startup has survived on SBIR grants that pay for its research into a bacteria-fighting surface coating for medical uses, a technology inspired by the bacteria-fighting properties of shark skin. But that meant limiting the involvement of VC investors.

Sharklet landed $1.2 million in SBIR grants in early 2011. Without them, the company would have shut down, Spiecker said. Sharklet’s pursuing more SBIR grants under the new rules...

...For more established biotechs, the old SBIR ban limited their ability to research new uses for their technologies, said Rick Duke, a veteran biotech entrepreneur who helps run the Colorado Institute for Drug, Device and Diagnostic Development (CID4), a nonprofit incubator for biotech companies.

Now a biotech can use for SBIR grants for research to broaden the number of products the company’s developing, while investors fund getting the first product to market. That should help companies grow faster and be stronger, and speed the development of new medicines.

'It’s helpful from the point of view of continuing to be innovative among companies that are funded with venture capital,' Duke said."

Link to the article that also quoted Cartier Esham, BIO’s senior director on health regulations for emerging companies (subscription required for full article access)