Lakewood Pet Examiner: The Amazing Acro-Cats Again Benefit Denver's Cat Care Society in July

Quoting today's posting by Carrie Dow (for July 6-14):

"The Amazing Acro-Cats, an all-house cat troupe of circus and musical performers, will return to Denver this July with a remarkable 14 shows. A portion of the proceeds from these shows will benefit the Cat Care Society...

The Amazing Acro-Cats will appear at the Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo Street in Denver, starting Friday, July 6, with two shows at 7 and 10 p.m. Shows run through Saturday, July 14. Visit the Bug Theatre website for dates and times. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children under 12 and can be purchased online at CircusCats.com.

Link to the posting

Congressman Cory Gardner Tours Amgen's Colorado Operations

Last week Colorado's 4th District Congressman Cory Gardner (second from right) toured Amgen facilities with (L-R) CBSA Board Chair Steve Orndorff, CBSA President/CEO Holli Riebel and Amgen's Kerry Ingalls, CBSA board members. They discussed industry policies as they toured Amgen's Colorado operations.

Link to Rep. Gardner's website

Link to learn more about CBSA's Federal Policy Priorities

BCBR: 'Device makers brace for fed tax'

Quoting from the May 24th article by Beth Potter:

"The 2.3 percent excise tax on gross revenue of medical device companies will double the tax bills of most such companies in the region, said Holli Riebel, director of the Colorado Bioscience Association in Denver, an industry trade group with numerous Boulder and Broomfield county members. The trade group is watching the measure closely, Riebel said, adding that there’s a move afoot in Congress to potentially repeal it before it takes effect.

'Small companies that are in the research-and-development phase and not making any money will still be required to pay the tax at the same rate as a big medical device company,' Riebel said. 'A lot of companies are thinking it’s very unfair as to how it’s applied.'"

Link to the Boulder County Business Report

Denver's Cat Care Society: News In Review

Link to the view the video

Quoting from the May 14th article by Clarke Reader:

"The Lakewood Arts Council Co-op Gallery is being overrun by painted and decorated cats as part of the Cat Care Society’s “Tails of the Painted Cats” fundraising event.

Eighteen cat statues — some standing, others sitting, but all uniquely created and about three feet long or tall — are currently making the gallery, located at 85 S. Union Blvd., home as the first stop on a two-month bidding tour of the metro area.

'This is our second year doing this, and we’re planning on doing it again next year,' said the Cat Care Society’s director of development, Suellen Scott. After next year’s event, the program will become an every-other-year occurrence, switching off with the Denver Hospice Mask Project."

Link to the article

Many thanks to the Fur Everywhere Blog for sharing the news about Cat Care Society's 'Spring The Seniors' promotion (and it's still spring... until June 20!). Quoting the posting:

"I wanted to inform all of you about an event that's taking place at one of my very favorite cat shelters this Spring. The event, called Spring the Seniors, allows you to name your adoption fee on any senior cat (10 years or older) at Cat Care Society until June 20.

I've been to Cat Care Society many, many times over the past several years. I really enjoy visiting the kitties, and most of the staff even knows me by name. :) I admire the way in which the shelter is run because unlike many other shelters, Cat Care Society rarely euthanizes cats."

Link to the posting

May is Foster Cat Month and CCS's Abbi Collins was interviewed by Stacey Brecher for IAMS 'The Daily Cat' blog. Quoting from the posting:

"According to Abbi Collins, adoptions manager of the Cat Care Society in Lakewood, Colo., there are different types of cats that need fostering. Kittens that are too young to adopt out, feral kittens that need socializing, and injured cats that need time to heal may need to spend time in a foster home, says Collins. Depending on the individual cat’s needs, fostering can range from two to 10 weeks."

Link to read

Denver's Cat Care Society Seeks Two Veterinary Technicians

Do you know someone who is a veterinary technician?

CCS has openings for two veterinary technicians - one for the shelter and one for the clinic. Job descriptions are posted on the CCS web page - click to read.

If you know someone who may be interested and qualified, please refer them to CCS! Contact Abbi Collins (ccsmanager@catcaresociety.org or 303-239-9680) for the shelter position, or Dr. Lynne Rooks (ccsclinic.tech@catcaresociety.org or 303-237-0914) for the clinic position.

Grow: 'FISH FERTILIZER - American Indian planting wisdom'

Quoting from the Denver Post Garden Center - 5/18/12:

"Feed your plants with an organic fertilizer inspired by generations who have lived off the land. The new Fish Rich Organic 2-2-2 Fertilizer is made from processing remains at one of the country's largest yellow perch farms — Bell Aquaculture in Indiana — and approved for organic crop production under the USDA National Organic Program. $8.95 for a quart or $25.95 for a gallon at bellaquaculture.com."

Link to the Product Spotlight

BCBR: 'Biotechs abuzz over high court rulings'

Quoting from the May 15th article by Beth Potter:

"In the high-stakes world of drug research, local biotechnology companies are asking how recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings on drug patent issues may affect them in the future...

At the Colorado BioScience Association, executive director Holli Riebel also is taking a wait-and-see attitude about the recent court rulings.

But Riebel says the naturally occurring process issue is 'a really controversial issue' that appears to affect quite a bit of the research being done in Colorado.

'If you have spent a lot of time to develop a process or an understanding of how something works, and you use that as basic premise to understand something else and to develop a therapeutic around it, people want to patent that,' Riebel said.

The national court rulings may affect future investment in the biotech industry, Riebel believes.

'You’ve spent millions of dollars in investment to understand the way something works that nobody has understood before, and it’s used to help save human lives,' Riebel said. 'To say you can’t patent that — how are you going to get people to invest money into furthering innovation and science.'

Link to the article

Denver's Cat Care Society: News In Review

Quoting from the May 3 Print and Online Denver Westword:    

"Each cat is a work of art, but if you're scratching your head, wondering what you'd do with a whimsical fiberglass cat by the name of Casino Cat, Sushi Chef or Meowscarade, Scott says they're lovely home decorations and, with a Clearcoat treatment, ideal for installing in the garden. But, she adds, "We were joking in the office that after you've acquired more than one, you'll have to start the attic rotation." All of the kitties but one will be auctioned off at a Painted Cats gala on July 28. (The last one, 'Claudia Monette,' by Jane McFadden Dorsey, will be the prize in a drawing; entry tickets are $10 each.)"

Link to the posting

Link to the Westword team having fun the Painted Cat memes

Check out the April 2012 newsletter for the Rocky Mountain Jaguar Club. Cat Care Society's Suellen Scott and Jane McFadden Dorsey's Little Roar were part of the program at the Club's March meeting.

Link to the newsletter

Quoting from the YourHub posting:

"Some of the Painted Cats are standing, and some are sitting, but they are all unique, original decorator pieces. You can visit the Online Gallery at http://www.catcaresociety.org/paintedcatsgallery.html. The larger (about 28" tall) Painted Cats each have an opening bid of $300 and the smaller Painted Cats open at $150. Advanced online bidding is available at http://BidOnACat.blogspot.com through Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at noon (MDT). Advanced bids can also be placed by calling Suellen Scott, CCS director of development, at 303-239-9680, ext. 19."

Link to the Denver Post YourHub

Quoting from the Denver Bucket List:

"Some of the Painted Cats are standing, and some are sitting, but they are all unique, original decorator pieces. You can visit the Online Gallery here - the larger (about 28″ tall) Painted Cats each have an opening bid of $300 and the smaller Painted Cats open at $150. Advanced online bidding is available here through Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at noon (MDT). Advanced bids can also be placed by calling Suellen Scott, CCS director of development, at 303-239-9680, ext. 19."

Link to the recent posting The Denver Bucket List has a crush on 'C is for Cat'

Quoting from the posting by John Davidson:

"The 18 'painted cats' are figurines of felines created by area artists, and will be auctioned at a dinner July 28 at the Lakewood Country Club. Between now and then, the artworks will be on display at various locations."

Link to the posting

Carrie Dow - Lakewood Pet Examiner recently covered the debut of the 2012 Tails of the Painted Cats and Cat Care Society's humane trap rental program:

April 9, 2012 - quoting from the article 'Celebrate the return of the Cat Care Society's Tails of the Painted Cats' - "The Cat Care Society (CCS) of Lakewood is once again celebrating the Tails of the Painted Cats. This art auction fund raiser was a huge hit for the CCS during its inaugural year of 2011 and now this incredible event is back for more. Tails of the Painted Cats involved artists in the metro area designing, painted, tiling, drawing and anything else you can imagine onto fiberglass cat figures of various sizes which are then auctioned off to raise money for this cats' only animal shelter. There are 18 cat figures available and they will be unveiled to the public at a reception at the Lakewood Arts Council co-op gallery on Thursday, May 3. After the initial unveiling, the cats will then make their way to the Santa Fe Arts District First Friday event on June 1. Then on June 29 the cats can be viewed at Aar River Gallery in Westminster along with a wine tasting featuring Cat Care Society wines (see previous article about the Cat Care Society)." Link to the posting

April 23, 2012 - quoting from the article 'Cat traps for rent from the Cat Care Society' - "Cost to rent a trap is a $50 refundable deposit and trap rental is only 50 cents per day. The CCS has 20 traps available at any given time. The traps are humane and easy to use and CCS staff will show you how it works before you leave. Other items a cat trapper will need are a towel, newspaper and a can of tuna. More information is available on their website. To find cats available for adoption, visit their Facebook page. The Cat Care Society wants the public to know that rescuing a feral cat can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience with many outcomes to consider. For those willing to try, bringing a feral cat into a home can be a rewarding experience. Link to the posting

May 7, 2012 - quoting from the article 'Cat Care Society debuts artwork for Tails of the Painted Cats' - "May 3, the Cat Care Society (CCS) of Lakewood debuted the statuettes for their 2012 Tails of the Painted Cats fundraiser. Nineteen statues are available this year from various artists around the Denver metro area, each cat with its own unique tail to tell. Suellen Scott, Director of Development for CCS, was pleased with this year’s turnout and with the wonderfully decorated cats that make up the show. She was also pleased with the visitors who came to visit the cats at the Lakewood Arts Concil Co-op where they will be on display for the month of May. Jane McFadden Dorsey, Volunteer Coordinator and in charge of the Painted Cats program was also happy with this year’s new cats declaring that they are absolutely wonderful. Link to the article  Link to the related slideshow

Cat Care Society's Loki on 9News Petline9 - Looking for his forever home

Here's handsome Loki this morning on 9News Petline9. He was a wiggly armfull for Suellen...but oh so cute. Check out all of our kitties waiting for their forever homes at Cat Care Society in Denver: http://www.catcaresociety.org/adoption_cats.html Check out Loki's slideshow video: http://youtu.be/i9WH-Ta3Ekc

CBSA Applauds Dr. Larry Gold & Team for Organizing Gold Labs Symposium 2012

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) applauds organizers of the third annual Gold Lab Symposium that will take place on the University of Colorado campus with over 400 attendees, on Friday and Saturday, May 18 - 19, 2012. The two-day event titled “Time: Tempus Fugit” brings 16 renown national and international scientists and healthcare experts together to discuss progress and issues in personalized medicine.

The announcement is made by Holli Riebel, CBSA President & CEO, who says, “We are honored to assist the Gold Lab Symposium—the speakers are incredible visionaries from an array of diverse fields. Every year I am personally inspired and amazed by the groundbreaking thought leaders Dr. Gold is able to bring together in one room.”

The Gold Lab Symposia were initiated in 2010 to bring together an intelligent community of scientists, industry leaders and policy experts to foster discussion about biological innovations and the improvement of health care. “Each year our Colorado bioscience community looks forward to the Symposium. We have some of the top research institutions in the country and 600 bioscience companies—creating the vision and drive to tackle these huge global issues,” explains Riebel.

This year the sessions will cover the expanding scientific basis of personalized medicine; explore drug targets and development, and consider the impact of education, aging, chronic conditions, and immunology on the evolution of healthcare. Presentations on healthcare economics and efficiency and reflections on the future also are included. Visit to review the 2012 itinerary: http://www.cobioscience.com/Events/Symposium_flyer2012_4-5.pdf

Link to the Business Wire release

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Cat Care Society Hosts a Benefit Brew, Thursday Evening, May 10th, at Wystone’s World Teas in Belmar

Cat Care Society (CCS) will receive 25% of the proceeds from a Benefit Brew at Wystone's World Teas, 7323 W. Alaska Dr. in the Belmar Shopping District, on Thursday, May 10, 5 – 9 p.m. The announcement is made by CCS President Diane Stoner, who says: "Our Society's supporters will learn about and celebrate the health benefits of black, green, white, and oolong teas, plus enjoy Wystone's delicious entree items, while benefiting our shelter cats and programs. Plus, 2% of online sales for the next year will also benefit Cat Care Society." Link here so your online purchases from Wystone's World Teas can benefit Cat Care Society: http://wystonestea.com?afid=22

Wystone’s offers a full menu, such as pitzas, pulled pork and salmon sliders, soups, paninis, wraps, sandwiches and quiche for an evening meal (gluten-free items are available). Plus, there are the traditional scones with Devonshire cream and fresh fruit preserves, cucumber tea sandwiches and egg salad expected at a tea cafe. Don’t forget dessert – for instance, try the African Rooibos tea-infused carrot cake, cherry cheese cake, pudding cake or the gelato bar. To make reservations or view Wystone's World Teas' menus, visit: http://www.wystonestea.com/Cafe.aspx

Claudia Monette - one of Cat Care Society's 2012 Painted Cats will be at the Wystone World Teas Benefit Brew on May 10th. Claudia is part of the CCS Tails of the Painted Cats fundraiser currently going on through July 28th. Local artist Jane McFadden Dorsey has again created the project's official 'drawing kitty' this year, Claudia Monette. For a $10.00 donation per ticket, names are entered in a drawing to take her home the evening of the Gala Dinner Auction at Lakewood Country Club in July. To view all of the 2012 Painted Cats, visit: http://www.catcaresociety.org/paintedcatsgallery.html

Link to the PR Newswire

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

The Wystone's World Teas Story http://youtu.be/N8s3vwwDEA4

Cat Care Society's Public Service Announcement http://youtu.be/2mX8IFi6wMM

Aurora Sentinel: 'Venture contest a capital idea for local bioscience start-ups looking for cash'

Quoting from the May 1st article by Brandon Johansson:

"It’s no secret that finding investors is one of the biggest challenges bioscience start-up companies face.

But a contest this fall is aiming to help some local start-ups land a little extra money and advice on how to make their business more enticing to investors.

The Colorado BioScience Association announced last week it is accepting nominations from emerging bioscience companies for the Venture Showcase Competition at BioWest 2012 conference this September. The deadline for nominations is May 11."

Special note: the 2012 Venture Showcase sponsors include Dorsey & Whitney LLP, EKS&H - Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC, and the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation.

Link to the article

CBSA Event Coverage: 'Tax on medical devices threatens profits, exec says'

Quoting from the April 27th article by Wayne Heilman:

"A tax on medical devices approved in 2010 as part of federal health care reform legislation would wipe out all of the profits Colorado Springs-based Spectranetics Corp. expects to make this year when the tax takes effect next year, a top company executive said...

...'We aren’t going to cut back on product development or clinical research, but as we think about investing in the future we will probably think twice and be able to do less of it,' Childs [Guy Childs, chief financial officer of Spectranetics] told about 120 business and civic leaders attending a panel discussion during a lunch hosted by the Colorado BioScience Association and the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. “This tax is another variable that detracts from our ability to invest in innovation because it comes right off the top line of our revenue. It impedes further investment and makes it more difficult.'"

Link to the article

Larger-than-life Painted Cats will again be raising funds for Cat Care Society shelter cats

The 2012 'Tails of the Painted Cats,' the Cat Care Society's lineup of 18 one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life artwork cats - created by accomplished area artists - will debut during the month of May at the Lakewood Arts Council Co-op Gallery, 85 South Union Blvd., Suite C. A reception, open to the general public at the LAC Gallery, is Thursday, May 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The announcement is made by CCS President Diane Stoner, who says, "Our wonderful Painted Cats will again be raising funds for Cat Care Society's shelter cats and community outreach programs. Last year, we raised more than our $30,000 goal, and hope to do the same with our project this year." (that's Little Roar by Jane McFadden Dorsey pictured - http://www.catcaresociety.org/pc_little_roar.html)

Some of the Painted Cats are standing, and some are sitting, but they are all unique, original decorator pieces. You can visit the Online Gallery at http://www.catcaresociety.org/paintedcatsgallery.html - the larger (about 28" tall) Painted Cats each have an opening bid of $300 and the smaller Painted Cats open at $150. Advanced online bidding is available at http://BidOnACat.blogspot.com through Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at noon (MDT). Advanced bids can also be placed by calling Suellen Scott, CCS director of development, at 303-239-9680, ext. 19.

After the LAC Gallery during May, the second tour stop will be the Santa Fe Arts District during June, where the Painted Cats will be separated at galleries throughout the area in time for the First Friday Art Walk. Next, they will make an appearance at the Aar River Gallery in Westminster on June 29th for a Cat Care Society wine tasting. From Westminster, the Painted Cats head to the Tennyson Street Cultural District and will be placed in various businesses and galleries during July.

On July 28th, the Painted Cats will be auctioned at Cat Care Society's Gala Dinner Auction at Lakewood Country Club. The emcee is Ed Greene, CBS4 weather and news anchor. The auctioneers are Warren and Terri Smith of Two for the Show Auctions. Individual tickets for the Gala are $75.00 each ($65.00 prior to June 1).  New this year is an individual patron ticket to a private VIP Meet & Greet prior to the dinner on July 28 where Ed Greene will sign the 2013 'Weather Cat' painted cat -- $100.00 each ($90.00 prior to June 1). Details regarding sponsorships, table upgrades and proxy bidding are also available by calling Suellen Scott, CCS director of development, at 303-239-9680, ext. 19.

Link to the PR Web newswire

Link ot the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Link to the Lakewood Pet Examiner's Recent Article

Colorado BioScience Association Seeks Region’s Top Start-up Companies for Venture Showcase Competition at BioWest 2012

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) is now accepting applications from emerging bioscience companies for the Venture Showcase Competition at BioWest 2012, being held September 11th at the Marriott City Center, Denver. The announcement is made by CBSA President & CEO Holli Riebel, who says, "Six finalists will be selected from the applicants and the winner will receive a $7,500 cash prize at the competition."

"The Venture Showcase creates a huge amount of excitement at the BioWest Conference and gives our emerging bioscience companies an opportunity to present their technologies on a large scale. Our sponsors this year include Dorsey & Whitney LLP, EKS&H - Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC, and the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. We're appreciative of their support of this important, and popular, competition," Riebel explains.

The six selected finalists will receive expert coaching to fine tune their presentations leading up to the conference.  Each start-up company will have 15 minutes to pitch their technologies and business plans to a panel of bioscience experts and venture capitalists in-front of a live audience at the BioWest Conference & Expo. The cash prize will be given to the outstanding presenting company live at the Conference closing reception.

Link to the Business Wire Release

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Denver Post: 'Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority appoints Steve VanNurden as CEO'

Quoting from denverpost.com - posted April 17, 2012:

"The Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority today said it has named Steve VanNurden as its new president and chief executive officer.

VanNurden will start in the position in late May.

VanNurden is currently chairman of Mayo Clinic Ventures, the invention arm for Mayo Clinic. The division is responsible for patenting and commercializing Mayo's discoveries, inventions and other intellectual property."

Link to denverpost.com

BCBR: 'Biotech building draws fresh funding'

Quoting from yesterday's article in the Boulder County Business Report:

"Biofrontiers Institute hopes to receive $3 million per year in federal funding for its Interdisciplinary and Quantitative, or IQ Biology program, which will bring 10 doctoral students together per year who have experience in computational math, differential equations, biology, modeling, simulations, and the like, to take classes and do specialized research, Cech said.

Cech, Marvin Caruthers, a founder of the biotechnology company Amgen Inc., a building donor and a CU researcher, and other leaders in the regional biotechnology industry gathered at the building for a Bioscience Roundtable Tuesday to talk about the challenges of finding funding for new companies and the opportunities to draw venture capitalists to Boulder. The roundtable was organized by the Boulder County Business Report and sponsored by law firm Berg Hill Greenleaf & Ruscitti and the accounting firm EKS&H PC...

...Also attending the roundtable were Bill Marshall, president and chief executive of miRagen Therapeutics Inc. in Boulder, Pete Neidecker, executive vice president of Mountainside Medical Colorado in Boulder, Holli Riebel, president and chief executive of the Colorado BioScience Association in Denver, David Snitman, co-founder of Array Biopharma Inc. in Boulder and David Traylor, managing director of Headwaters MB in Denver."

Link to the Boulder County Business Report

'The mother of inventions...Denise Brown stepping down from unique Colorado projects and an industry she helped create'

Quoting from the April 10th article on Denise Brown's career growing Colorado's Bioscience Industry by Brandon Johannson:

"When she retires next month, Brown will cap a career during which she has been as involved in Colorado and Aurora’s booming bioscience industry as just about anyone.

After working in the state legislature and the governor’s office, Brown spent 17 years at CU before launching the Colorado BioScience Association a decade ago."

Link to the Aurora Sentinel

DBJ: 'Clinical trials abundant; more sought for Colorado'

Quoting from the April 6th article by Ed Sealover:

"Colorado was home to more than 3,000 clinical drug trials in the past 12 years — a little-known but increasingly important factor in the state’s health care economy.

A new study out by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) doesn’t detail the economic impact of such trials. Nevertheless, state officials estimate that impact could be in the billions of dollars, and they’re promoting Colorado as a place for biotech and medical research expansion...

...It also can help to develop Colorado’s growing biopharmaceutical industry, which includes about 300 companies employing more than 5,410 people, according to the Colorado Bioscience Association. A 2008 study by Archstone Consulting of Miami found that biopharmaceutical companies invested $379.9 million in research and development in Colorado that year."

Link to the DBJ

GEN: 'Colorado BioScience Association Appoints Four Industry Leaders to Board of Directors'

Quoting from the April 5th GEN (via Biowire):

"The Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) appointed four new board members at its 2012 Annual All-Member Meeting held at the Westin Westminster, Westminster, CO, yesterday. The announcement is made jointly by Steve Orndorff, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Holli Riebel, CBSA President & CEO of CBSA.

Newly appointed CBSA board members include:

James Chomas, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Surefire Medical - Westminster -www.surefiremedical.com

Scott Deeter, President & CEO, Ventria Bioscience - Fort Collins - www.ventria.com

Brent Fassett, Partner, Cooley LLP - Broomfield - www.cooley.com

Kerry Ingalls,Vice President of Colorado Operations, Amgen - Boulder/Longmont - www.amgen.com

Riebel says: 'CBSA’s board is a prestigious group of industry leaders comprised of representatives of biotechnology, medical device, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, health care providers, research institutions and those businesses that provide critical services and products to bioscience companies. Board members commit to a three-year term to support CBSA’s mission to support the regional bioscience community through advocacy, resources and advancement of opportunities for collaboration. CBSA board members work in partnership with staff to support the drive and determination of over 600 Colorado bioscience companies that work to improve lives locally and around the world.'"

Link to GEN

NCBR: 'Colorado BioScience Association appoints Deeter to board'

Quoting from the April 5th Northern Colorado Business Report:

"The Colorado BioScience Association has named four new board members, including Scott Deeter, president and CEO of Ventria Bioscience in Fort Collins.

James Chomas, founder and CEO of Surefire Medical in Westminster, Brent Fassett, partner at Cooley LLP in Broomfield, and Kerry Ingalls, vice president of Amgen's Colorado operations, also were appointed. Board members commit to a three-year term to back the regional bioscience community."

Link to the NCBR

CRJ: 'Colorado bioscience cluster alive and well'

Quoting from the April 4th article in the Colorado Real Estate Journal:

"The biosciences industry is alive and well in the Denver metro area, and that bodes well for future demand for manufacturing and lab/research-and-development space.

'Bioscience is one of the few industry sectors that have grown during the bad economy and actually exceeded the national average,' said Holli Riebel, president and CEO of the Colorado BioScience Association.'"

Link to the article

'Made in Colorado: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Technology'

More than a dozen of the Colorado BioScience Association member companies are featured in the current ColoradoBiz Magazine 'Made In Colorado' feature by Debra Melani.

Link to read

The Tails of the Painted Cats Video Art Gallery is OPEN!

Cat Care Society Tails of the Painted Cats - 2012.

Check out our Video Art Gallery:

http://youtu.be/F_MNKEMJGKE

One-of-a-kind "painted cats" by well-known Denver artists will once again raise funds for the Cat Care Society's shelter cats and community outreach programs. The cats will be unveiled at the Lakewood Arts Council Co-op Gallery in May (reception May 3) and will reside there through the month. In June the cats will be at various galleries in the Santa Fe Arts District for the First Friday Art Walk June 1. On June 29, the cats arrive at the Aar River Gallery in Westminster for the CCS wine tasting (featuring our CCS Cat Care Vineyards wines!). Finally, the cats head to various businesses and galleries in the Tennyson Street Cultural District, before heading to Lakewood Country Club for the July 28th Gala Dinner Auction emceed by CBS4's Ed Greene.

Visit the Tails of the Painted Cats Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/TailsofthePaintedCats

Colorado BioScience Association Appoints Four Industry Leaders to Board of Directors

The Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) appointed four new board members at its 2012 Annual All-Member Meeting held at the Westin Westminster, Westminster, CO, yesterday. The announcement is made jointly by Steve Orndorff, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Holli Riebel, CBSA President & CEO of CBSA.

Newly appointed CBSA board members include:

* James Chomas, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Surefire Medical - Westminster - www.surefiremedical.com
* Scott Deeter, President & CEO, Ventria Bioscience - Fort Collins - www.ventria.com
* Brent Fassett, Partner, Cooley LLP - Broomfield - www.cooley.com
* Kerry Ingalls, Vice President of Colorado Operations, Amgen - Boulder/Longmont - www.amgen.com

Riebel says: "CBSA’s board is a prestigious group of industry leaders comprised of representatives of biotechnology, medical device, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, health care providers, research institutions and those businesses that provide critical services and products to bioscience companies. Board members commit to a three-year term to support CBSA’s mission to support the regional bioscience community through advocacy, resources and advancement of opportunities for collaboration. CBSA board members work in partnership with staff to support the drive and determination of over 600 Colorado bioscience companies that work to improve lives locally and around the world."

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank the retiring eleven directors for their service and welcome the four new appointees,” Orndorff stated. Special recognition was given to Norwood Robb for serving on the board for ten years. The Executive Officers , in addition to Orndorff, is now instated as Derek Cole, Board Vice Chair, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, ARCA Biopharma; Jim Wilson, Board Treasurer, Senior Audit Manager, Ernst & Young; and John Dunning, Board Secretary, President & CEO, Clarimedix Inc.

Link to the Business Wire Newswire

BioBeers Denver: April 25th at the new Cedar Creek Pub

Mark your calendars: April 25, 6:30 p.m.

The new home for BioBeers Denver is only a chip shot from the Fitzsimons-based Bioscience Park Center building; the new Cedar Creek Pub promises to provide an ideal backdrop for BioBeers networking, knowledge exchange and fun. Note: the 2100 North Ursula St. address is off of Montview Blvd. in the 21 Fitzsimons round-about.

No admission - "Buy Your Own Beer" - for casual networking with your Denver med device, biopharma and diagnostics colleagues.

Link to RSVP at the BioBeers Meetup Site

CBSA's March FOCUS Newsletter Features Covidien's New R&D Innovation Center

FOCUS Newsletter Page 2 Company Spotlight: "Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products, recently announced the opening of a 63,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Research & Development (R&D) Innovation Center in Boulder, CO.

In the last five years, Covidien has doubled R&D investments and introduced more than 100 new products. The Company’s goal is to continue to increase R&D spending to 5%-to-6% of sales, as it launches more than 50 products during the next two years. The opening of the Innovation Center in Boulder will be a catalyst for the expansion of R&D capabilities, spurring collaboration and creativity, while decreasing product time-to-market."

Other March FOCUS content includes:

From CBSA President Holli Riebel - Page 1
Medical Device Liability Protection - Page 3
Biotech Pharma Symposium - Page 4
Upcoming Events - Page 5

Link to the March FOCUS Newsletter pdf

New Report Released: 'Research in Your Backyard' - Developing Cures, Creating Jobs in Colorado

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) commends PhRMA and the We Work for Health initiative for drawing important attention to the 1,400+ clinical trials for chronic diseases currently being conducted in Colorado, of which more than 280 are actively recruiting patients suffering with chronic conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental illness and stroke. The announcement is made by Holli Riebel, CBSA President & CEO, who today joined with colleagues from both the public and private sectors, including Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, at a State Capitol News Conference to applaud the release of PhRMA's new report: “Research in Your Backyard.”

In addition to providing new avenues of care for chronic disease sufferers, Riebel explains: “The biopharmaceutical industry in Colorado is a vital part of Colorado’s economy. This sector includes approximately 300 companies employing over 5,410 with average salaries of $93,000. Not only are these high paying high tech jobs but each are working on the innovative life saving medicines of the future.“

In Colorado, according to the report, "biopharmaceutical companies have the luxury of having trials conducted at the states’ well-respected university medical schools, comprehensive cancer centers and clinical trial research centers. According to U.S. News and World Report, University of Colorado-Denver School of Medicine ranked 38th among this year’s top 100 research-oriented medical schools in the United States."

“Research in Your Backyard” is a comprehensive look at pharmaceutical clinical trials in Colorado. Biopharmaceutical research companies are conducting or have conducted more than 3,000 clinical trials of new medicines in collaboration with the state’s clinical research centers, university medical schools and hospitals. Of the more than 3,000 clinical trials, 1,427 target or have targeted the nation’s six most debilitating chronic diseases – asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental illnesses and stroke.

For more information, link to the report:

http://www.cobioscience.com/resources/2012_Colorado_ResearchInYourBackyard.pdf

Governor Hickenlooper's remarks about Bioscience and Clinical Research in Colorado:

http://youtu.be/m7NUhWBskOA

Link to the Business Wire release

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

MedCity News: 'Mayo Clinic Ventures’ chair leaving to bolster bioscience efforts in Colorado'

Quoting from the website dedicated to covering news from the country's elite medical cities:

"A Colorado redevelopment authority charged with developing a bioscience district near the University of Colorado campus in Aurora has appointed the head of Mayo Clinic Ventures as its new leader.

Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority announced that Steve VanNurden will become the group’s new president and CEO starting in late May. FRA was created in 1996 as a partnership between the University of Colorado and the city of Aurora. Now, FRA in partnership with the University, the city of Aurora and the Children’s hospital and other public entities have acquired land that is part of an ambitious effort to transform the area from an old army medical center into a thriving bioscience hub."

Link to the news posting

Rochester Post-Bulletin: 'Van Nurden departs Mayo'

Quoting from coverage today by Jeff Kiger:

"The head of a Mayo Clinic branch that commercializes its patents and inventions is moving on to a new position with the city of Aurora, Colo.

Steve Van Nurden, the chair of Mayo Clinic Ventures, has been hired as the president and chief executive officer of the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority in Aurora. That means he will be in charge of developing the 180-acre Colorado Science + Technology Park.

He will start his new job in May."

Link to the news item

Kiger also blogged about the news yesterday in the posting 'Mayo Clinic Ventures leader leaving for Colorado gig' - link to read

Twin Cities Business Journal: 'Mayo executive named CEO of Colorado life science group'

Quoting from yesterday's posting on the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal site:

"Mayo Clinic executive Steve VanNurden has been named CEO of the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority, which supports life science companies in Colorado.

VanNurden is chairman of Mayo Clinic Ventures, which is responsible for patenting and commercializing Mayo’s discoveries, inventions and other intellectual property.

More than 45 startups based on technology from Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo have formed under VanNurden's leadership."

Link to the news item

DBJ: 'Mayo Clinic exec to lead Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority'

Quoting from Heather Draper's news posting yesterday:

"The Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA) has named Mayo Clinic executive Steve VanNurden as its new president and CEO, beginning in late May...

VanNurden will be working with universities, local economic development agencies, state and local governments, and the bioscience industry to promote the development of the 180-acre Colorado Science + Technology Park, adjacent to the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

The Colorado Science + Technology Park is the center of The Fitzsimons Life Science District, one of the nation’s largest bioscience developments. The FRA directs the commercial developments in the Fitzsimons Life Science District, along with its partner, Forest City Science + Technology Group."

Link to the Denver Business Journal

Breaking News: 'Colorado's Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority Names New President & CEO'

Posted online yesterday by Margaret Jackson and in this morning's print edition (page 7B: 'Mayo leader comes to Fitzsimons'). Quoting the coverage:

"Following a nationwide search, the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority has named Steve VanNurden as its new president and chief executive

VanNurden currently is chair of Mayo Clinic Ventures, the invention arm of the Mayo Clinic. The division is responsible for patenting and commercializing Mayo's discoveries, inventions and other intellectual property. More than 45 startups based on Mayo technology have formed under VanNurden's leadership...

The third phase is hiring new management to replace Denise Brown, who has been serving as acting executive director. VanNurden starts his new job in May."

Link to denverpost.com

Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority Names New President & CEO

Aurora, CO, March 14, 2012 - Following an extensive national search, Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA) has named Steve VanNurden as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, beginning in late May. The announcement is made by John M. Shaw, Chair of the FRA Board of Directors, who said: "Steve, a seasoned leader in the life science/bioscience space, comes to us from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota."

The appointment of Mr. VanNurden is further evidence of the FRA's continued commitment to support the development of life science companies in Colorado in partnership with the State’s research institutions. He will be working with universities, local economic development agencies, state and local governments, and the bioscience industry to promote the successful development of the 180 acre Colorado Science + Technology Park, which is adjacent to the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

Steve Hogan, Mayor of the City of Aurora and FRA Board member stated, “Steve is the partner we need to fulfill the promise of the bioscience industry park. His working relationships span nationally and internationally, which will be a great advantage for us.”

Steve VanNurden is currently Chair of Mayo Clinic Ventures, the invention arm for Mayo Clinic. Under Mr. VanNurden’s direction, this division is responsible for patenting and commercializing Mayo’s discoveries, inventions and other intellectual property. Since 1986, Mayo Clinic Ventures has successfully commercialized over 2,000 technologies and has been granted more than 1,200 patents. Under the guidance of Mr. VanNurden, Mayo’s technology based ventures efforts have paid off, resulting in the formation of 45+ Mayo Clinic start-up companies.

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Link to the PR Newswire Release

PharmExecBio: 'VC Funding Floods Colorado Biotechs'

Quoting from today's posting by Marylyn Donahue:

"Biotechs in Colorado, US, are enjoying a windfall of funding from Venture Capitalists who have to date invested $66.1 million in six of the state’s companies working in the fields of biofuel, medical devices and biopharma, according to a report released Feb 21 by OnBioVC, a Boulder-based tracker of investments in the life science industry.

The increase in money invested in the Colorado companies parallels a national trend. OnBioVC counted 305 companies received a total of $6 billion in 2011, up from 281 companies that collected $5.2 billion the previous year."

Link to PharmExecBio

Aurora Sentinel: 'Don Elliman taking the reigns of CU Denver & Aurora campuses with continued focus on expanding mission of Anschutz & Fitzsimons'

Quoting from the February 29 article:

"This month, Elliman, 67, took on the role of University of Colorado Denver’s interim chancellor for the university’s Aurora and Denver campuses, an administrative post that puts him in charge of two bustling academic centers. When it comes to the university’s medical campus in Aurora, the former chief operating officer for Gov. Bill Ritter sees a very specific route forward, a path tied closely to the looming changes in national health care...

As he steps into his new role, Elliman said he’s bringing all of this experience to bear. What’s more, he’ll have help at Anschutz from Vice-Chancellor Lilly Marks, a top dean for finance and administration at the university’s School of Medicine and the executive director of University Physicians Inc. who started in her current role in 2010...

'I intend to be involved at the Anschutz campus. It’s something that I care deeply about,' Elliman said. 'I don’t intend to be a stranger. Lilly and I are both on the FRA board, which I will continue to do.'"

Link to the Aurora Sentinel

Castle Pines Connection: 'Raining cats and more cats'

Quoting from the February 28th article:

"Are you an animal person? More specifically, are you a cat person? There are many lovable kitties who are sadly homeless, just waiting for a new family to come along and call them their own. Cat Care Society (CCS) in Lakewood is one such shelter, and it is where Castle Pines resident and devout cat lover Kyle Herbertson has been volunteering for the past ten years. She helps her feline friends find new homes.

One of many shelters and rescues in the Denver metro area, CCS is a shelter for homeless, injured and abused cats. CCS provides a temporary refuge for up to 45 adult cats until an appropriate and permanent home can be found. The cats are provided with veterinary care, good food, and plenty of loving human interaction. Potential adopters are carefully screened, and special effort is made to match the adopter with just the right feline for their family."

Link to the article

Group photo ID (L-R): Abbi Collins (staff), Judy Williams (volunteer), Kyle Herbertson (volunteer), Dave Genco (staff), Wesley Phillips (volunteer) and Dorothy Ruxton (staff). The kitty on the counter is Abigail.

Denver Post YourHub: 'Parker Girl Scout troop helps cat food bank' at Denver's Cat Care Society

Quoting from the Parker, CO, YourHub:

"A Parker Girl Scout Troop’s journey of discovering about animals led to the girls making toys and dropping off supplies for Cat Care Society’s Nibbles & Kibbles Cat Food Bank in [Lakewood].

The food bank serves food and cat litter to cats whose owners cannot provide food and litter because of a temporary financial setback. The 10 girls of Troop 624 made cat toys using socks and catnip and collected food and cat litter.

'We want the girls to understand that not all animals have it as nice as theirs do,' said Mary Tate, troop leader. 'There’s a lot of cats out there that don’t have that and the Cat Care Society really works with people who can’t afford to feed their animals.'"

Photo ID: "Caitlin Tate, in purple, and India Choudhury helped deliver cat supplies and food to Cat Care Society's Nibbles & Kibbles Cat Food Bank (courtesy Mary Tate)."

Link to the posting

Needed at Cat Care Society: laundry detergent (plus more cat and kitten food for our hungry little guys!)

Cat Care Society's Adoption Manager Abbi Collins thanks everyone who has been bringing in canned cat and kitten food. She says..."we still need more for our kitties if possible," plus, she adds, "We also need laundry detergent as well, for those coming by the shelter." Hours today (Friday) are noon to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.; and we're closed Monday (Tuesday through Friday hours are noon to 5:30). "Thank you for all your generous donations of much needs supplies at the shelter!"

Link to the Wish List page of the Cat Care Society website

Handsome Jabberwocky: Today's 9News Petline9 Guest Cat..Awaiting His Forever Home at Cat Care Society in Lakewood

Jabberwocky appeared on Petline9 this afternoon with Meteorologist Kathy Sabine and Cat Care Society's Director of Development Suellen Scott.

He is named for the Lewis Carroll book but definitely not a dragon, has long hair white, is very affectionate, loves to pad and purr, sit on your lap and be brushed.

A neutered 8-year-old male, Jabberwocky is current on all shots, micro chipped, and a very healthy 16 ½ pounds. He likes to be up high observing from above, it makes him feel safe.

He's waiting for his "forever" home at Cat Care Society in Lakewood. Check out more photos:


http://youtu.be/pa2pMFGfmjw

Link to the Cat Care Society website

CBSA's Riebel and Wittenberg Represent Colorado Med Device Industry in Washington, D.C.

Colorado BioScience Association President & CEO Holli Riebel and Dan Wittenberg, CBSA Public Policy Co-Chair, are in Washington, D.C., this week, representing Colorado's Medical Device Industry.

Background: "Delegations for med-tech and other life science sectors from 18 states are converging on the nation's capitol to conduct coordinated visits to their local representatives in Congress...

Among the issues expected to be hammered home to lawmakers is the potential damage of the 2.3% medical device tax, slated to begin in 2013. The pilgrimage is part of a coordinated effort by AdvaMed's State Medical Technology Alliance, which organizes annual fly-ins for state associations that represent the interests of the medical device industry."

Link to the recent Mass Device posting for more information