JOHN SWART NAMED CULTIVATION CORRIDOR
IOWA BIOTECH LEADER OF THE YEARM
Ted Crosbie Also Honored Posthumously For Contributions
To State And Industry
DES MOINES – March 22nd, 2017 – Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) Executive Director Joe Hrdlicka and Cultivation Corridor Executive Director Brent Willett announced Dr. John Swart, founder and CEO of Exemplar Genetics, as the Cultivation Corridor Iowa Biotech Leadership Award recipient at this year's Partnering For Growth event. Additionally, special recognition was awarded posthumously to former Monsanto executive and industry leader Dr. Ted Crosbie who passed away suddenly this past summer.
The Cultivation Corridor and the IowaBio team up to present the award to an individual who in the past year has demonstrated leadership, innovation, advocacy and commitment to advancing Iowa's biotech industry.
The recipient was determined by a committee of individuals with roles in Iowa's biotechnology industry. Dr. Chris Nelson of Kemin Industries was last year's honoree. The recipient was named at a reception at IowaBio's Partnering For Growth event to be held Tuesday, March 21st.
Swart founded Exemplar Genetics in 2008 in Sioux Center, Iowa. The company develops specialized miniature swine models that are genetically engineered to exhibit a wide variety of human disease states, to provide a more accurate platform to test the efficacy of new medications and devices. Exemplar Genetics is now part of the Intrexon family of companies, which provide innovative products in the health, food, environment, energy and consumer sectors. Swart is a member of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization's Animal Policy Committee.
The selection committee unanimously agreed to recognize Crosbie in addition to this year's award designee based on his contributions to the industry over a career that featured work at Iowa State University, ICI Seeds USA and Garst Seeds in addition to his work at Monsanto. Crosbie also served as Chief Technology Officer for the State of Iowa under three Governors. Crosbie's wife, Rowena, accepted the award on his behalf.
IowaBio's Partnering For Growth forum is the state's "biotechnology summit" targeted to senior leaders in biotech who have funding, human resources, issues management, business development and research in their areas of responsibility. The event also attracts public leaders who lead programs assisting the biotech sector from a funding, regulatory or economic development perspective. Partnering For Growth features a series of educational presentations, track sessions and networking activities aimed at sharing best practices and opportunities for collaboration within the industry. Partnering For Growth also features the Biotech Innovation Showcase component of the event providing a platform for biotech leaders in Iowa and beyond to present their innovations to potential investors from throughout the country
T
he event was held on Tuesday, March 21st through Wednesday, March 22nd at the FFA Enrichment Center located at the DMACC campus in Ankeny at 1055 Southwest Prairie Trail Parkway.
About IowaBio
Since 1994, the Iowa Biotechnology Association has provided benefits and services to promote the interests and growth of the life sciences industries in Iowa. We are a non-profit, membership-based organization with a diversified membership including industry companies from all segments of biotechnology, universities & colleges, state & federal associations, as well as numerous service & support companies. Our Association seeks to promote the success and growth of biotech-based business in Iowa, ultimately securing our strong biotech economy while growing our business & increasing our influence nationally and around the globe. For more information, visit IowaBio.org.
About Iowa's Cultivation Corridor
Focused on further developing and marketing the world-renowned bioeconomy in Central Iowa, Iowa's Cultivation Corridor is building on a rich history of innovation to accelerate value-added agriculture business development by attracting companies, talent and capital from across the globe to the state. Representing a diverse public-private coalition of stakeholders including the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Ames Chamber of Commerce, Iowa State University, non-profits and private sector companies from across the region and state, the Cultivation Corridor is one of the nation's foremost cluster-based economic development organizations. For more information, visit CultivationCorridor.org.
