Vacaville officials make biotech pitch

Vacaville officials make biotech pitch
By Ian Thompson | Daily Republic | June 20, 2008

FAIRFIELD - Vacaville officials, including Mayor Len Augustine, spent the week touting what their city can offer the biotechnology industry at the time when many such companies are looking elsewhere to expand.

Augustine, City Manager David Van Kirk and Economic Development Manager Mike Palumbo attended the 2008 BIO International Convention in San Diego. The conference ended Friday.

'We know what biotech companies want and need, and we're able to provide that,' Palombo stated in a city press release. 'A business-friendly council and community are key to our success.'

Vacaville was one of eight California cities at the convention 'to let people know Vacaville was a player in biotech manufacturing,' according to city Public Information Officer Mark Mazzaferro, who also attended the convention.

Many biotech companies, even ones in California, are looking to move to or expand in other states because those states offer more incentives than California does, Mazzaferro said.

Vacaville officials lobbied industry representatives by pointing out that the city has and will offer its own incentives to bring in new biotech companies.

See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.