Thank you for visiting the BioNJ Web site.

Founded in 1994, 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.

It has been an exciting time for the biotechnology industry and for BioNJ, and as we move into our second decade, it is with pride and commitment to the future that we highlight some of the important developments in the public policy, education, networking, and member services that are helping to foster the growth and prosperity of this important industry:

Public Policy:

• BioNJ conceived of and advocated successfully for the Tax Credit Transfer Program, which gives biotech companies much needed cash. Since the program's 1999 start, BioNJ has also made the case successfully for its expansion along with other 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 programs of the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology have been bolstered through important structural and content changes. Commission programs supporting early-stage firms include Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Research Grants, New Jersey Technology Fellowships, the Entrepreneurial Partner Fund and funding for incubators.
• The Business Retention and Recruitment Action Grants program (BRAG), which encourages companies to remain or relocate in NJ and rewards them with grants based on a percentage of payroll taxes, was established.

Education and Networking:

• BioNJ continues to bring the industry together at a variety of important gatherings throughout the year.
• With more than 540 registrants, our 17th Annual Dinner Meeting, Awards Program and Networking Event held on January 28, 2010, was our most successful ever. Highlights included a the presentation of the Third Annual Dr. Sol J. Barer Award for Vision, Innovation and Leadership to former ImClone Systems head John J. Johnson and remarks by The Honorable James C. Greenwood, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).
• The Biotechnology Industry Organization's (BIO) 2009 Annual International Convention in May 2009 in Atlanta drew 15,000 visitors from 70 countries and 48 states. New Jersey played a prominent role, drawing attention to an impressive sampling of what our companies, State Government agencies and educational institutions have to offer. BIO 2010 will be held May 3-6, 2010 in Chicago.
• The successful 2008 launch of The New x 2 BioCruise, held in partnership with the New York Biotechnology Association (NYBA), was followed by an even more successful event in 2009. Plans are now underway for our 2010 cruise.
• BioNJ also 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 Liability became 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 our 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; moving and storage; online used equipment exchange; and risk management and insurance. Members will soon enjoy discounts on additional employee benefits and group employee insurance.
• BioNJ also supports a headline news service on our home page, providing members with real time reports via Business Wire about biotech companies in New Jersey, the nation and international markets. Please send us your news.

Workforce Solutions:

• BioNJ is also a major partner in a number of workforce initiatives taking place throughout the State, participating in coalitions involving the State's leading universities, colleges and county colleges. New Jersey is the most WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) state in the nation and BioNJ is involved in the Bio-1 initiative covering central New Jersey.

Yours in BioNJ,

Debbie Hart
President

BioNJ wishes to thank its Diamond Members for their support – Celgene Corporation, Conner Strong, Dechert, Ernst & Young, ImClone Systems, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Inc., Morgan Lewis, PharmaAid Solutions, ranstad and the State of New Jersey.