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Business, Life Sciences Leaders Launch 'We Work for Health' Economic Development and Jobs Campaign in Washington State

Posted on: Thursday, 23 April 2009, 08:04 CDT

SEATTLE, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- An alliance of Washington state business, academic, government and community leaders today launched "We Work for Health," a landmark statewide effort to enhance the public's understanding of the economic impact of Washington's life sciences industry and to promote the growth and success of the sector.

We Work for Health today also announced the results of an Archstone Consulting study on the economic impact of the industry, indicating that Washington's biopharmaceutical industry alone directly employs close to 20,000 people, resulting in more than $1.6 billion in wages. Including indirect jobs that the industry supports, the employment impact increases to more than 67,000 jobs - many of which are high-paying, family-wage positions.

The Archstone research shows that the average wage of a life sciences worker in Washington state is $81,499, compared with $42,178 for other sectors.

We Work for Health supports the growth of the entire life sciences sector, including biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and biomedical companies that develop innovative treatments to improve and save lives. In addition to improving the health and well-being of patients, the private companies and public institutions of Washington's life sciences sector play a critical role in the economic strength of Washington state.

Through world-renowned research and academic institutions, biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and global health organizations, Washington's life sciences industry has formed a unique innovation pipeline that creates high-paying jobs, drives economic activity and saves lives.

"We Work for Health will provide a voice for this crucial segment of our economy and the family-wage jobs it represents," said Bob Drewel, executive director of the Puget Sound Regional Council and one of five We Work for Health co-chairs. "Like information technology or aerospace here in Washington, the life sciences sector has formed a 'cluster' of interconnected organizations that create jobs and fuel innovation in our state, and I am proud to support it."

Part of the We Work for Health mission will be to create an environment in which life sciences organizations can continue to thrive and innovate.

"To support this important industry, it is vital that we create the right policy framework so it remains a driving force in our state's economy," said Chris Rivera, president of the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association and We Work for Health co-chair. "Washington's life sciences companies play an important role in health outcomes for patients in both the United States and the developing world and are on the forefront of discovering, developing and producing life-saving drugs and treatments."

"We are proud to support this critical industry and its thousands of employees in Washington state," said Dr. Elson Floyd, president of Washington State University and We Work for Health co-chair. "Life sciences are the jobs of the future, and our universities are educating the workforce and performing the groundbreaking research that will keep Washington competitive and help this vital sector of our economy grow."

Life sciences is a major contributor to the "innovation pipeline" that defines Washington's cutting-edge business culture. Through philanthropic grants to academic and community organizations and investment in R&D that leads to technology transfer from labs to the marketplace, the industry is an important source of innovation in the state.

"In the midst of one of the most challenging economic times in memory, it's more important than ever that we support key industries," said Rogers Weed, director of the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development and We Work for Health co-chair. "Life sciences and global health play a major role in our innovation-based economy, including investing in research and development that leads to technology transfer from labs to the marketplace. By providing the support and resources to help this industry flourish, we can better position our region for when the economy rebounds."

"Through its innovative research, the life sciences industry of Washington state improves the quality of life for people in Washington and around the world," said Dr. Lee Huntsman, executive director of the Life Sciences Discovery Fund and We Work for Health co-chair. "Today's research and discovery is leading to tomorrow's treatments and cures, and with our strong innovation pipeline, Washington is poised to lead the medical breakthroughs of the 21st century."

For more information, please visit http://www.weworkforhealth.org/state/washington.

About We Work For Health

We Work for Health unites organizations, companies, individuals and other stakeholders around a common goal: to educate policymakers, key opinion leaders and the media about the economic impact of the life sciences innovation pipeline in Washington state. We Work for Health seeks to raise awareness of the impact of public policy on innovation in the life sciences, related industries and surrounding communities.

We Work for Health Advisory Board

This growing, landmark campaign is supported by a number of key leaders, including:

Co-chairs

Life Sciences Discovery Fund, Dr. Lee Huntsman, Executive Director; President Emeritus, University of Washington

Puget Sound Regional Council, Bob Drewel, Executive Director

Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association, Chris Rivera, President

Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, Rogers Weed, Director

Washington State University, Dr. Elson S. Floyd, President

Advisory Board

Allen Institute for Brain Science, Elaine Jones, Chief Operating Officer

Amgen Inc., Tim Martin, Director of State Government Relations

Association of Washington Business, Don Brunell, President

Bayer Inc., Jim Hoover, State Government Affairs

Downtown Seattle Association, Kate Joncas, President

Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County, Bruce Kendall, CEO

Enterprise Seattle, Jeff Marcell, Executive Vice President

Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Tayloe Washburn, Chair; George Allen, Senior Vice President

King County, George Northcroft, Director of Business Relations and Economic Development

Office of Gov. Chris Gregoire, Marc Baldwin, Senior Policy Advisor

PATH, John Wecker, Ph.D., Global Program Leader Immunization Solutions

PhRMA

Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Michael Podlin, VP Institutional Advancement

Seattle-Northwest Securities (SNW), Maud Daudon, CEO

Snohomish County Economic Development Council, Deborah Knutson, President

Vulcan Inc., Lyn Tangen, Director of Community and Government Relations

Washington Global Health Alliance, Lisa Cohen, Director

Washington Research Council, Al Ralston, President

Washington Roundtable, Steven Mullin, President

Washington State University, John Gardner, Ph.D., Vice President for Economic Development & Global Engagement

Media Contacts: Chelsea Waliser or Nate Cole-Daum, Nyhus Communications LLC for We Work for Health, (206) 323-3733 | chelsea@nyhus.com or nate@nyhus.com

SOURCE We Work for Health

Source: PR Newswire

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