The Northwest Iowa Biotech Consortium hosted some of the area's leading biotech companies in the first of two roundtable discussions regarding the future of the biotech industry and the direction the consortium should move to best assist these companies. The event was held at the Wells Dairy corporate campus in LeMars and was moderated by Michael Blouin, former Director of the Iowa Deparment of Economic Development and Congressman. Attendees included Wells Dairy, BoDean's Bakery, Trans Ova and Advance Brands, among others.
Following lunch, attendees, which included CEO's of the area's top food processors, pharmaceutical, biofuels and agriculture-based companies as well as area economic development officials spent nearly two hours discussing industrial trends, future growth outlook, and the bases for their location and continued operations in Northwest Iowa. "The goal of the roundtable was to create dialogue among our existing biotech companies which could spur new and beneficial relationships," said Gary Blythe, Co-Chairman of the Consortium. "The Biotech Consortium also organized the event to hear directly from area firms about issues that we could assist with, that will impact thier future growth," he said.
The companies indentified a variety of positive NW Iowa factors including a central location and access to transportation routes, proximity to suppliers and customers, support from local communities, and a quality workforce. However, some concerns for the future of their industry were also discussed. While the attendees highlighted the quality of their workforce, there was concern expressed about the limited availability and competition for new employees. This was acknowledged as a national trend, not specific to NW Iowa. Gaps in local supplier chains were also recognized in certain sectors.
Over the next few months, the Consortium will work to promote the benefits of Northwest Iowa to those industries identified as complimentary by the biotech firms at the roundtable event. "The information we gathered is invaluable. We will be able to take this information to recruit businesses that will fill the needs of our existing biotech industry," said Marty Dougherty, Economic Develoment Director of the City of Sioux City.
The Consortium plans to host a similar follow-up event in the months ahead.
