| Contact: Colleen Roche/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958 Bernadette O'Leary (EDC) 212-312-3523 |
Mayor's Task Force on Biomedical Research and Development |
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani announced today the establishment of a toll-free phone number--1-877-NYC-4-BIO-- for disseminating information on New York City's biotechnology industry. Managed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the phone service will assist companies in establishing and expanding biotechnology businesses in New York City.
"Establishing a toll-free telephone number dedicated to the biotech industry is an important step toward providing companies with the information they need to do business in New York City," said Mayor Giuliani. "As we move into the 21st Century, the City is committed to strengthening its biotech community by promoting innovation and fostering cooperation with our academic leaders."
The toll-free number provides access to the most up-to-date information on how to expand biotechnology businesses in New York City. Callers will be provided with a range of information on establishing and expanding businesses in the City, including eligibility requirements for the City's tax incentive and bond financing programs. The number will also inform companies of how to apply for sales tax, real estate tax and energy benefits available to qualifying companies in specific areas of the city. In addition, EDC will provide information on locating available office space and finding or relocating employees, and will offer contacts within New York City's major research and medical institutions.
Mayor Giuliani recently announced the creation of a Mayoral Task Force on Biomedical Research and Development to be co-chaired by Dr. Herbert Pardes, Dean of the Columbia University Faculty of Medicine. The Task Force will be comprised of leaders in the City's medical, research and business communities. The new Task Force will work to improve the city's competitiveness in the biotechnology industry by: seeking to expand collaborative research developments and research parks; promoting collaboration between academic and industry members; helping to recruit world-class researchers to New York City and focusing the City's effort to promote and expand biotechnology business development.
"Bringing together leaders from both the academic and business communities, the Mayor's Task Force will bring renewed focus and energy to the biotech industry," said Anthony P. Coles, Senior Advisor to Mayor Giuliani. "We will help to reestablish New York City's leadership in biomedical research while we expand opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs to bring innovations to market."
"Under Mayor Giuliani's direction, EDC will work with biotech companies within and outside of the City to locate and develop businesses here," said EDC President Charles Millard. "Collaborating with the Mayor's Task Force will enable us to tap into the infrastructure of the city's biotech industry and spur job growth in this reemerging industry."