Denver Post: 'Colorado in running for U.S. patent satellite office'

Quoting from today's Denver Post article by Allison Sherry - @allisonsherry - on the 'Bring A Patent Office To Colorado' initiative:

"Holli Riebel, president of the Colorado BioScience Association, helped marshal signatures and support within her field for the office.

'Many times, things go to the coasts and they don't go to the middle of the country,' she said. 'I think there's a huge market that could be drawn from the middle. It's an easy place for everyone to get to, and we do have an international airport.'"

Link to the Denver Post article

View the related video:
http://youtu.be/xKW6j33EipQ

Link to the news release: 'Colorado Business Leaders Unveil New Report Making the Case for Patent Office in Denver'

This Thursday: Colorado's 'BioScience Day at the Capitol'

Colorado BioScience Association will host the fourth annual “BioScience Day at the Capitol” on Thursday, February 2nd, 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Legislative Services Building, A, 14th & Sherman (South side of Capitol). The event will bring together industry leaders and legislators to support the growth of bioscience in Colorado.

Agenda for BioScience Day at the Capitol:

* 8:00-8:10 a.m. – Welcome by Holli Riebel, President and CEO, CBSA

* 8:10-8:40 a.m. – Legislators discuss the 2012 session and their vision for the bioscience industry

Representative Cheri Gerou - Overview of the 2012 Budget
Speaker of the House, Representative Frank McNulty
Senate President Brandon Shaffer

* 8:40-9:00 a.m. – Federal Legislation Presentation by Jason Sapsin, Polsinelli Shughart

This year CBSA will build upon one of its most successful years in its history, making impressive strides in the areas of industry advocacy, programming, marketing communications, membership and education. CBSA was instrumental in the development and passage of House Bill 1283 and Senate Bill 47 retaining and further funding Colorado's Bioscience Discovery Evaluation Grant Program. Other legislative success included passing of Senate Bill 159, distribution of the state's share of limited gaming revenue.

Link to the Business Wire release

Link to the PitchEngine social media release

CBSA January FOCUS Newsletter: Featuring Fitzsimons Bioscience Park's $8 Million Expansion and a Sneak Peek at CBSA's Plans for the Upcoming Year

Quoting CBSA President & CEO Holli Riebel:

"As we kick off the New Year at CBSA we are thankful for a great 2011 and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in 2012. Our community's spirit of innovation and history of success continues to push the bioscience industry forward. CBSA's strategic goals for the year are to:

* Promote a supportive regulatory and tax environment at the state and federal level.
* Increase access to capital.
* Brand Colorado's innovation in the bioscience industry.
* Enhance programs and services for our members.
* Create a bioscience community that fosters growth.

A feature detailing the $8 millon expansion of the Fitzsimons Bioscience Park is on page 2.

Link to the January FOCUS newsletter

Hey Denver! Bob the Cat is ready to be adopted at Cat Care Society

Today Cat Care Society Adoption Manager Abbi Collins took Bob to Petline9 with Kathy Sabine.

In Bob's own words: "Hi folks, my name is Bob. I'm a big, sweet, cuddly boy. My person couldn't afford to take care of me anymore so I came to the shelter to look for a new home. I'm a very friendly guy and I really love to snuggle. I'm pretty nice to just about everyone. I even get along with those slobbery dogs (if they behave). I'm a senior kitty and what's cool is that because of my age, I'm covered by the Perpet-U-Care Program which will pay for a portion of my health care for the rest of my life. That's a pretty great program and I'm definitely worth it. I'm pretty low key and like to just hang out mostly. If you like to hang out too, why don't we do it together? We could have some fascinating conversations."

Come and visit Bob at Cat Care Society...

The CCS Shelter is open:
Tuesday through Friday Noon - 5:30 P.M.
Saturday 11 am - 4:30 P.M.
Sunday Noon – 3 P.M.
Closed Monday

Link to Bob's Petfinder Profile

Denver Business Journal: 'VC-backed startups now free to chase SBIR grant money'

Quoting CBSA board members Mark Spiecker and Rick Duke in Greg Avery's article:

"The change will be particularly helpful to many early-stage bioscience companies in Colorado, making them eligible for a program that’s awarded $16 billion in grants since 1997.

'Everybody’s writing SBIR grants or counting on them in one way or another,' said Mark Spiecker, co-founder of Sharklet Technologies.

The Aurora-based startup has survived on SBIR grants that pay for its research into a bacteria-fighting surface coating for medical uses, a technology inspired by the bacteria-fighting properties of shark skin. But that meant limiting the involvement of VC investors.

Sharklet landed $1.2 million in SBIR grants in early 2011. Without them, the company would have shut down, Spiecker said. Sharklet’s pursuing more SBIR grants under the new rules...

...For more established biotechs, the old SBIR ban limited their ability to research new uses for their technologies, said Rick Duke, a veteran biotech entrepreneur who helps run the Colorado Institute for Drug, Device and Diagnostic Development (CID4), a nonprofit incubator for biotech companies.

Now a biotech can use for SBIR grants for research to broaden the number of products the company’s developing, while investors fund getting the first product to market. That should help companies grow faster and be stronger, and speed the development of new medicines.

'It’s helpful from the point of view of continuing to be innovative among companies that are funded with venture capital,' Duke said."

Link to the article that also quoted Cartier Esham, BIO’s senior director on health regulations for emerging companies (subscription required for full article access)

GEN: 'Cities are trying to attract more talent and incentives to meet demands of the life science industry."

Quoting from the January 3rd article by Alex Philippidis:

"Denver anchors a growing Colorado biopharma effort that will see the state divert part of the corporate sales taxes collected from biotech and cleantech companies between 2013 and 2023 to help fund startups in those industries under a law enacted in May by Gov. John Hickenlooper (D). Bio startups also saw welcome news earlier this month when the Fitzsimmons Redevelopment Authority announced plans for an $8 million, 37,000 sq. ft. “accelerator” space within its Bioscience Park for companies past the incubator stage."

Link to GEN

Today's Petline9 Introduced Cat Care Society's Rory to Denver -- Hoping To Find His Perfect Forever Home

Today Suellen Scott took Rory to 9News for Petline9. Rory's story:

"Howdy! I'm Rory. I came to the shelter when I was very young. Now I'm growing up; I'm already almost five whole months old! I might seem a little shy when you come to see me in the kitten room. That's because I am a tamed feral. That means I was born out in the big wild world away from people, so it's taken me a little time to get used to be around people. Even though the people around here don't mean me any harm... still I can be a little bit of a scaredy cat sometimes. But if you are patient and not too "scary", I'll show you how cute and playful I can be. I would love to get to know you and be your friend. I am a good friend to other kitties too. I would like to come home with you. Please stop by and get to know me. You'll be glad you did."

The shelter at 5787 W. 6th Avenue is open:
Tuesday through Friday Noon - 5:30 P.M.
Saturday 11 am - 4:30 P.M.
Sunday Noon – 3 P.M.
Closed Monday


http://youtu.be/Gl_abVY2wDk

Cat Care Society Staff Favorites: Mr. Chester & Sapphire -- An Awesome Pair Together

Chester and Sapphire came to Cat Care Society in March 2011 because their owner passed away the day after Christmas. They were very well loved in their home, and their personalities show it!

Sapphire (grey) is very active and outgoing. She loves to run up and down the hallways, and will seek out people to get petting from. She is very busy and keeps herself entertained. She enjoys string and little things that she can chase and bat around. Sapphire is a sweet girl and would be a fantastic addition to any family.

Mr. Chester is mellow, laid-back, and easygoing. He accepts life’s challenges with aplomb. Chester loves attention and gets very excited for brushing. He especially loves to have his ample rear brushed! He will talk to you and update you on the household affairs, and he is VERY good at keeping your lap warm. You will not find a more affectionate (or handsome) guy!

Take a look at Mr. Chester & Sapphire last month while they were still living on the CCS lower level where The Cat Clinic is located -- now they're upstairs (patiently waiting for their forever home)...


http://youtu.be/TytWQRC3VWs

Mr. Chester's Petfinder Profile

Sapphire's Petfinder Profile

Cat Care Society Staff Favorites: Mr. Chester & Sapphire -- An Awesome Pair Together

Chester and Sapphire came to Cat Care Society in March 2011 because their owner passed away the day after Christmas. They were very well loved in their home, and their personalities show it!
Sapphire (grey) is very active and outgoing. She loves to run up and down the hallways, and will seek out people to get petting from. She is very busy and keeps herself entertained. She enjoys string and little things that she can chase and bat around. Sapphire is a sweet girl and would be a fantastic addition to any family.

Mr. Chester is mellow, laid-back, and easygoing. He accepts life’s challenges with aplomb. Chester loves attention and gets very excited for brushing. He especially loves to have his ample rear brushed! He will talk to you and update you on the household affairs, and he is VERY good at keeping your lap warm. You will not find a more affectionate (or handsome) guy!

Take a look at Mr. Chester & Sapphire last month while they were still living on the CCS lower level where The Cat Clinic is located -- now they're upstairs (patiently waiting for their forever home)...


http://youtu.be/TytWQRC3VWs

Mr. Chester's Petfinder Profile

Sapphire's Petfinder Profile

Denver Post/Fetch Blog: 'Cat Care Society is closing popular Cajun’s Closet'

Quoting from John Davidson's blog for the Denver Post:

"Cajun’s Closet, a popular thrift store that has raised funds for the Lakewood-based Cat Care Society since 1995, is being closed.

'The board has chosen to close Cajun’s Closet Thrift Shop and focus future efforts on the success of its cat shelter and clinic operations,' said Diane Stoner, president of the society’s board of directors.

The society’s shelter and clinic are located at 5787 W. 6th Avenue and the thift shop has been at 5707 6th Avenue. The shop’s final public sales are Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. until noon. Everything is 80 percent off."

Link to the Fetch blog

Last Call For Cajun's Closet Thrift Shop - Closing December 31

Remaining merchandise: 80% off

Open today (Friday Dec 30) through 5:30 pm

Saturday, Dec 31, 9-noon (noon to 2, volunteers and employees only; after 2, closed to everyone but salvage and dealers).

Please note: The book room has already been sold in its entirety.

5707 W. 6th Avenue - enter via frontage road off of Sheridan, just north of 6th - look for red brick office building.

There's still three days left to give to Cat Care Society for a 2011 charitable donation!

December 29, 2011 - And, donating to Cat Care Society is easily done online at GivingFirst.org this year.

New this year: In Honor of/In Memory of electronic messages. GivingFirst.org has added the functionality so when making a donation 'in honor of' or 'in memory of' someone (or a favorite kitty in Cat Care's case), the donor can send a quick eCard sharing that a donation was made for how much and to whom.

Link to donate to Cat Care Society at any time via the GivingFirst.org platform: https://www.givingfirst.org/index.php?section=organizations&action=newDonation&fwID=28010

Or, go to the CCS website - http://www.catcaresociety.org/ - and click the "Donate Now" button.

Dec 31 is Saturday: There's still time to donate your 'Car for Cats' as a 2011 charitable contribution

Cars for Cats is Cat Care Society’s Vehicle Donor Program. The funds raised through your vehicle donation will support our many programs that help homeless cats.

We have partnered with Cars for Charity, a nonprofit organization, for many years. On our behalf, they will tow the vehicle, process the title and auction the vehicle. The process will begin once Cars for Charity receives all the completed forms.

Your donation will allow you to claim a charitable contribution on your tax return. As of January 1, 2005 if the vehicle sells for more than $500 you can only claim the amount the vehicle is actually sold for. Please call the shelter to obtain a packet of information OR, you can go online and complete the necessary paperwork at http://www.carsforcharity.net.

9News Petline9: Suellen Scott Introduces Annie Rose to Denver -- Annie's Waiting For Her Forever Home at the Cat Care Society Cageless Shelter

Hello there. My name is Annie Rose and today I went to 9News with Cat Care Society Development Director Suellen Scott.

I came to the CCS shelter last year on the Temporary Care Program when my person had some hard times and couldn't take care of me, but then I went back home. This year my person's health got worse and she could no longer keep me so now I'm up for adoption. I'll miss my person but I know that someone else will want to take me home to love me. I'm very outgoing and friendly. I love to play. I lived with a little dog before and we got along well. I love all people too. I'm just so easygoing. I'm looking forward to seeing you here soon!

Link to Annie Rose's Petfinder Profile

Also - don't forget that Cat Care Society has Adoption Specials going on now. Learn more at: http://denvercatcare.blogspot.com/2011/11/adoption-special-through-december-31-no.html

Your Year-End Contribution: 'Cat Care Society Builds Campaign Around Necklace'

Quoting from the article in the December 15th Lakewood/Edgewater YourHub:

"Necklace was abandoned in in October at the Cat Care Society, 5787 W. Sixth Ave., Lakewood, and society staff immediately went to work attending to the cat's multiple injuries and wounds."

Link to the YourHub posting

Link to PR Web Newswire

Link to Pitch Engine Social Media Release

2011 Boettcher Investigators Introduced to Colorado Bioscience Community

The 2011 class of Boettcher Investigators was introduced to Colorado's Bioscience Community at the Colorado BioScience Association's Annual Awards Dinner celebration, December 8, in Denver. Timothy Schulz, Boettcher Foundation Executive Director, made the presentation, along with Ted White, chair of the Boettcher Foundation Board of Trustees.

The 2011 Boettcher Investigators include: Tingting, Yao, Ph.D., Colorado State University; Zhe Chen, Ph.D., University of Colorado Boulder; Jing Wang, M.D., Ph.D., University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Robert Doebele, M.D., Ph.D., University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; and John D. (Nick) Fisk, Ph.D., Colorado State University. Video of the presentation follows:


http://youtu.be/ub8azy2KG8M

Reminder This Week: BioBeers Denver 4Q11 | Holiday Party Edition!

Come celebrate the holiday season at Fitzsimons with friends old and new in BioBeers style! We'll be serving up the eggnog and celebrating so many important milestones met by our life science ecosystem in 2011 and looking ahead to what is certain to be an exciting 2012!

Thursday, December 15, 2011, 6:00 PM

Bioscience Park Center Lobby - Fitzsimons

12635 East Montview Blvd. , Aurora, CO

Link to RSVP

Denver Post Breaking News: '$8 million facility to house growing biotech companies at Fitzsimons'

Quoting from this morning's posting by Mark Jaffe:

"The Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority today announced plans for an $8 million expansion of its Bioscience Park, which is designed to house start-up biotech businesses.

The authority said in a statement it will add a 37,000-square-foot 'accelerator' facility.

'The new accelerator space will be leased to companies in the modest growth stage,' said Denise Brown, the authority's interim executive director.

There are five companies from the biopark's incubator facility that are negotiating leases for the accelerator facility, said Vicki Jenings, an authority spokeswoman."

Link to the denverpost.com posting

Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority Announces Second Phase of Strategic Refocus With $8 Million Expansion to Bioscience Park Center

Aurora, CO - In furtherance of its renewed commitment to support the growth of early-stage Colorado bioscience companies, especially those developing technologies from Colorado's research institutions, Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority (FRA) is expanding its Bioscience Park Center building (BPC) with an $8 million, 37,000-square-foot accelerator facility, increasing the BPC in excess of 50 percent. The announcement is made by Denise Brown, FRA Interim Executive Director, who says, "The new accelerator space will be leased to companies in the modest growth stage. We have a number of companies in the BPC incubator ready to make this advancement in addition to interest from other companies, both in-state and out-of-state, as well."

The FRA Board of Directors has been working with FRA staff, FRA's real estate development partner Forest City Science + Technology Group, consultants and lenders for the past several months to finalize this expansion. Based on the team's recommendation, the three-story accelerator will be built to the west of the current building with a new parking lot located to the north of BPC. Ground broke in October and construction has been progressing since, with completion expected by June, as recently reported in the Aurora Sentinel, http://www.aurorasentinel.com/email_push/news/article_95c4538e-1792-11e1-a67e-001cc4c03286.html.

Link to the PR Web newswire

Link to the PitchEngine Social Media Release

Site Selection: 'Colorado Bio has solid infrastructure'

Quoting from the recent bylined article by CBSA President & CEO Holli Riebel:

"Colorado is the next frontier in life sciences. Every day, more than 600 Colorado bioscience companies help improve lives locally and around the world. The state has seen its bioscience industry continue to grow faster than the national average over the past five years with more than 20,000 employees, and in fact grew 1.8 percent last year when the rest of the country saw a 2.4 percent decline. Colorado ranks sixth in medical device employment and houses medical device and biotechnology companies such as Caridian BCT, Covidien, Baxa, Amgen, Merck, and Roche."

The article details the top benefits to locating a bioscience company in Colorado

Link to read the full article