Beyond Benefits Trust Renewed; Become a Mentor; Berkeley to Vote on R&D Tax Exemption; Bay Area Events; and more.
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Find the latest news and information impacting the Bay Area life science industry. If you have company news you’d like to share, please get in touch.
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Welcome New Bay Area Members
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Fall Food Drive Benefiting Family House
Join Biocom California and Life Science Cares for our fall food drive benefiting pediatric patients at Family House. Family House offers a supportive home for families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Their communal pantries help ease the financial burden on these families. Learn more about ways to donate here.
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Berkeley to Vote on R&D Tax Exemption
Berkeley City Council will vote on October 15 to amend Berkeley Municipal Code Section 9.04.165, exempting the taxation of business receipts related to government R&D grants. This aims to support startups focused on climate change, disease treatment and other global challenges, as government or philanthropic grants are often their primary funding source.
San Francisco’s Proposed Zoning Restrictions
Later this month, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Land Use and Transportation Committee will make a recommendation on proposed legislation restricting lab use in UMU zoning. Letters opposing the legislation can be sent to the land use committee via their clerk, John Carroll or directly to the supervisors: Myrna Melgar; Aaron Peskin; and Dean Preston. If you’re able, you can also make public comment in person. Biocom California has been engaged with the Land Use Committee to explain our opposition to this legislation.
Conflicting Issues on November Ballot
San Francisco voters will decide on two conflicting measures in November: Proposition L, which seeks to increase taxes on ride-hailing companies to fund Muni, and Proposition M, a business tax reform. A provision in Prop. M prioritizes its passage over Prop. L, causing concern among Prop. L supporters. Prop. L would narrow Muni’s deficit, while Prop. M aims to simplify San Francisco’s tax system and reduce dependence on major employers.
In Other News:
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Elevate Your Presentation Through Venture Hub Pitch Studio
Prepare for the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference by joining our monthly Venture Hub Pitch Studio this November and December. These interactive sessions are designed to help you refine your pitch, gain valuable feedback from our expert evaluators and practice in front of a live audience. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your pitch and enhance your chances of success at the conference. Reserve your spot here.
Upcoming C-Suite Events
October 25 | CEO Summit | Sonoma
November 14 | C-Suite Series: Anatomy of a Winning Investor Pitch | SSF
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Become a Mentor for Our Life Science Career Fellowship Program
Join Biocom California Institute in shaping the next generation of life science professionals through our six-month Life Science Career Fellowship. This program supports underrepresented job seekers, including first-generation college students and veterans. As a mentor, you’ll guide a fellow in navigating their career path and help them achieve their goals. Mentors must be employed at a life science company and reside in San Diego, Greater Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay Area. We value your commitment to advancing the industry and look forward to embarking on this rewarding journey together. Apply here.
Looking to Accelerate Your Science Career?
Join the two-day virtual workshop, Bioinformatics Applications in Life Sciences, on November 8 and November 15. Master the basics of bioinformatics, learn to manipulate data using command-line tools, explore Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Whole Genome Sequencing, and analyze real-life NGS data, such as identifying COVID mutations. Perfect for entry-level scientists, research assistants, students and instructors eager to boost their bioinformatics skills. Get a 10% discount using the code EARLY10 if you sign up in the next two weeks. Register here.
Discover Volunteer Opportunities to Make a Lasting Impact in 2025
Biocom California Institute’s Life Science Fellowship Programs are seeking mentors and volunteers who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with those aspiring to enter the sector. We are looking for experts from all subsectors and occupations within the industry to guide and inspire the next generation of talent. Your contribution can make a significant impact on their career journey. Join us on November 7 at 12 p.m. to learn how you can foster innovation and excellence in our community. Register here.
Bay Area HR Biotech Group Happy Hour | October 23
Join us for an evening of networking and fun on October 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m . Enjoy drinks and light refreshments while connecting with fellow HR professionals. Plus, hear from NOVAworks as they present services they provide to support your workforce needs. If you are not a part of the HRBG group, you can apply here and join our thriving community of over 600 life science HR professionals. RSVP for the happy hour here by October 22.
Sponsor the Pathways to STEAM Conference
On November 12, 2024, 60 high school students from San Francisco Unified School District will attend Generation STEAM’s Pathways to STEAM Conference to gain industry exposure and hear from experts in various STEAM topics. Industry companies and community organizations will host workshops during this day-long conference. This program sends an inclusive message about what makes a successful STEAM professional and encourages the students in attendance to pursue their interests in STEAM. To learn more about this event and other programs, contact Annie Warner.
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Beyond Benefits Trust Renewed
Over the last few years, Biocom California has been working with Marsh McLennan Agency, the California legislature and the California Department of Managed Healthcare to protect the ability for life science companies to access stable health care coverage with rich benefits through the Beyond Benefits Health Trust. Assembly Bill 2072, passed in September, extends the Trust’s authorization date to 2030 and enables small- and mid-sized life science companies to continue to compete with larger organizations in attracting and retaining top talent. Learn more about the Beyond Benefits Trust here.
Introducing Occupational Services, Inc. (OSI) to the Core Portfolio
For more than 35 years, OSI has provided specialized services in chemical, biological and radiation safety for research laboratories, medical facilities and manufacturing companies. They work hands-on with your team to reduce potential compliance and injury risk, therefore lowering costs and increasing the success of your regulatory inspections. Biocom California members receive exclusive discounts on many of their services including environmental health and safety outsourcing, clean room testing, environmental services and more. To learn more or schedule your complimentary initial onsite assessment for new clients, review their full benefits here or reach out to your Biocom California account manager with any questions.
Upcoming Webinar | Cybersecurity for Life Science Companies
On October 15, join Core portfolio partners centrexIT, Marsh McLennan Agency and Sharp Business Systems for a virtual informational session on cybersecurity. Over the course of the hour-long training, each partner will be providing their expert advice on best practices for protecting your organization from cyber threats. This event will explore real-world examples, common vulnerabilities and practical strategies to protect your most valued assets: your intellectual property and your employees. Additionally, one attendee will receive a complimentary network assessment from centrexIT valued at $5K. This assessment includes a review of the winner’s cybersecurity posture along with corresponding recommendations. Register Here.
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Biocom California | Bay Area
Biocom California is the advocate for California’s life science sector. Our South San Francisco office aims to build the networks that are critical to growth in this thriving regional ecosystem. Our targeted programs and customized services are tailored to the specific needs of the Bay Area region. We work on behalf of more than {{{dynamic_content_1600}}} members to drive public policy, build an enviable network of industry leaders, create access to capital, introduce cutting-edge STEM education programs, and create robust value-driven purchasing programs.
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