Oregon Business Meets Biotechnology: Free Conference Brings Together Leaders to Discuss Oregon's Biotechnology Future; National, Regional and Local Experts Examine If Oregon Has What Bioscience Companies Need.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- On May 17, biotechnology experts, policymakers and business leaders will join to discuss how Oregon can create an environment in which the bioscience and biopharmaceutical industries can flourish well into the future.

WHO:    Speakers include:

        --  Eric Kronstadt, Ph.D., of the Blue Gene Project and
            National Geographic Genographic Project

        --  Elaine Jones, Allen Institute for Brain Science

        --  Ann Bunnenberg, Ph.D., J.D., Electrical Geodesics Inc.

        --  Alan Frazier, Frazier Healthcare Ventures

        --  Bruce Pratt, Ph.D., Genzyme

        --  Rod Ray, Ph.D., Bend Research

        --  Jim Bruce, Business Facility Planning Consultants LLC

        --  Bill Newman, Ph.D., Northwest Technology Ventures LLP

        --  Brock Metcalf, Ph.D., Cascadia Partners LLC

        --  Arundeep Pradhan, Oregon Health & Science University

        --  Mike Salsgiver, Oregon Economic & Community Development
            Dept.

WHAT:   This event, "Oregon Business Meets Biotechnology: Charting
        the Path for Innovation," will explore Oregon's economic
        development potential in the bioscience industry as well as
        explore incubators and entrepreneurial concepts in process
        that foster a strong biotech community.

WHEN:   Wednesday, May 17, 2006
        8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:  World Trade Center 2, Skybridge A & B
        121 S.W. Salmon St., Portland, Oregon

Details and the registration form are posted at www.orbizbio.org. Event sponsors include Oregon Bioscience Association, Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Business Journal, Software Association of Oregon, Biotechnology Industry Organization, National Venture Capital Association, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.