WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was presented with its 2012 Governor of the Year award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to advancing biotechnology and promoting public health.

Governor Christie received the award in advance of next week's 2012 BIO International Convention in Boston, MA.

I am honored to be recognized by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, said Governor Christie. The key to economic recovery, both in our state and nationally, lies in securing economic growth and job creation in innovative industries such as the biotech sector. I'm proud that New Jersey continues to lead the way in this sector - creating the jobs and technology breakthroughs that improve the quality of life for our citizens and people around the world.

Governor Christie has been an exemplary leader in enhancing New Jerseys stature as one of the nations most vibrant biotech clusters through strong support for policies that benefit a pro-business and pro-biotechnology environment. His funding and support of biotech tax credits is a model for federal legislation that supports critical early-stage capital formation, said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. The Governors leadership in this field will continue to benefit his state and region, in terms of jobs and innovation, for years to come.

From the moment he was inaugurated, Governor Christie has been a strong supporter of advancing biotechnology in New Jersey, and BioNJ is pleased to have nominated the Governor for this well deserved award, said Debbie Hart, President of BioNJ. In both word and deed, Governor Christie has worked to help our companies succeed as witnessed by his leadership in supporting the Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program, the doubling of the R&D Tax Credit and naming of BioNJ to run the Life Sciences Talent Network.

Photos available upon request.

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Presented 2012 BIO Governor of the Year Award