CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO) and Georgia Bio have joined the Advanced Medical Technology Associations (AdvaMed) State Medical Technology Alliance (SMTA), bringing its total membership to 39 groups in 29 states.

The SMTA is a consortium of state-based trade associations that represent medical device manufacturers within their memberships. The Alliances mission is to collectively support the medical technology industry by fostering a collaborative environment through sharing of information, best practices and actively advocating for public policies that support medical innovation and job creation.

As the industry addresses significant policy challenges, AdvaMeds interactions and partnership with the state-based associations is increasingly important.

We are proud to join the ranks of other state-based industry representatives under AdvaMeds leadership and to work with Congress and the Obama administration, said David Miller, president and CEO of iBIO. Its important that government officials hear regularly from their home state business people.

The medtech industry is a strong contributor to the U.S. economy, responsible for creating more than two million high-paying jobs across the country.

Georgia has a strong medical device industry that has a significant impact on our state, said Charles Craig, president of Georgia Bio. We are excited about partnering with AdvaMed on state and federal issues concerning medical devices. As we deal with legislators in Congress, or in Atlanta, it is extremely important that we are speaking with a unified voice when telling our story. As a part of the SMTA, we will certainly do whatever we can to promote, preserve and enhance the industry in Georgia and nationally.

AdvaMeds President and CEO Stephen J. Ubl said he looks forward to working with the groups two newest members. We are pleased to welcome Georgia Bio and iBIO and look forward to working with them on important issues such as MDUFA implementation and the repeal of the medical device tax.

About iBIO

The Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO) champions biotechnology in Illinois and the surrounding Midwest region.Headquartered in Chicago, iBIOs mission is to strengthen the leadership position of Illinois and the Midwest as a globally recognized center of medical, agricultural and industrial biotechnology.With leaders from business, academia and government, iBIO promotes the development and retention of new companies as well as corporate expansions. iBIO advocates for sensible public policy at the local, state and federal levels. To learn more about iBIO and its programs, visit http://www.ibio.org.

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Illinois and Georgia Bio Organizations Join AdvaMed’s State Medical Technology Alliance