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What’s Inside: Our New LA Executive Director; Takeaways from the Greater LA Life Science Forum; Pasadena Zoning Code Amendments; Catalyst Award Nominations Now Live; CEO Summit in LA; and more.
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Welcome Dan Gober as New Los Angeles Executive Director
Biocom California is happy to announce the appointment of Dan Gober as the executive director of its Los Angeles office. He will be responsible for developing and executing initiatives that promote the success of the life science industry in the region. Gober is an industry leader with over 25 years of experience. “LA is rapidly gaining attention as a premier life science hub poised for rapid growth,” he said. “I am honored to take on this role and look forward to collaborating with our members, industry partners and stakeholders to continue advancing and advocating for the industry and improving the lives of patients.”
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Welcome New Los Angeles Members
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Biocom California’s Annual Greater LA Life Science Forum
There was palpable energy in the room at our second annual Greater Los Angeles Life Science Forum last month at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, held in partnership with BizFed Institute. We were honored to welcome over 200 guests, all who arrived ready to network and engage with local decision makers and industry advocates. We had many distinguished speakers engage in open and honest discussions. With the forum’s focus on current and future growth of the industry in LA, one of the most exciting announcements of the day was Takeda sharing that their LA presence is expanding by 1,000 jobs. Read key takeaways from the day here.
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Pasadena Committee Members Support Zoning Code Amendments
Biocom California has been working with the City of Pasadena over the last year to explore ways the city can encourage life science industry growth and retention. On July 18, Pasadena City Council Economic Development and Technology Committee members took up a set of policy changes to advance that work. The proposal includes simplifying the definition of R&D, increasing the allowable rooftop area for equipment, adjusting open space requirements, allowing additional building height, and reducing minimum parking requirements. Biocom California testified in support of the proposed amendments, which now goes to Planning Commission for a workshop on August 9.
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Mayor Karen Bass Becomes Chair of Metro
Mayor Karen Bass recently became the new chair of Metro with the intention of focusing on strengthening public safety over the next year, further addressing homelessness on the system, and pushing for ridership to return to pre-pandemic levels. Although ridership is up 16% from the pandemic-era downturn, overall ridership remains down—with the drop coming disproportionately from women, who report they do not feel safe. In May, the board approved a $9 billion budget for fiscal 2024, including $290.5 million in public safety efforts.
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Additional Highlights:
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Partnering Day with Daiichi Sankyo
Biocom California is hosting a Partnering Day with Daiichi Sankyo, a global pharmaceutical company, in the Bay Area on November 13. Senior leaders from Daiichi Sankyo will meet with local biotech companies, academic institutions, research organizations, venture capital firms, and the life science community. Daiichi Sankyo will present its activities and therapeutic areas of focus. Opportunities for one-on-one sessions will also be available.
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Generation STEAM Fall 2023 Mentorship Program
Generation STEAM, Biocom California’s nonprofit affiliate dedicated to K-12 science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education, is gearing up for its Fall 2023 Mentorship Program and seeking individuals who are interested in making a difference in the lives of high school students. As a mentor, you can help students develop career-relevant skills and will have the unique opportunity to engage with highly motivated students eager to learn from the best in the industry. This five-week program requires mentors meet with a small group of students once a week virtually from October 6 to October 27, and in person (optional) on November 3. Apply to become a mentor today, or reach out to Dolores Flores to learn more.
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UniFirst Facility Tour
Our Purchasing Group Advisory Committee will host an exclusive tour of a Greater Los Angeles UniFirst Facility on August 10. This is the fourth in a series of facility tours across the state to provide professional development opportunities to members of the committee. If you are interested in learning more about attending the upcoming tour and/or gaining access to future tours by taking part in the Purchasing Group Advisory Committee, email Melissa Lucas.
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Los Angeles Regional Policy Committee Meeting
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Thursday, August 31
Hybrid
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Biocom California’s Los Angeles Regional Policy Committee meets on an ad-hoc basis, with in-person and virtual options, to address policy issues in the Greater LA region. This committee provides a forum for Biocom California members to proactively deliver input on proposed legislative changes at city and county levels of government.
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Los Angeles Executive Reception Hosted by Merck
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Tuesday, October 12
Location to come
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C-suite executives within the Greater LA life science industry are invited to join us for an evening of drinks, hors d’oeuvres and informal networking. This reception is designed to provide a more intimate and relaxed environment for industry executives to make meaningful, peer-to-peer connections and build long-term relationships.
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Los Angeles Life Science Workforce Symposium
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Thursday, October 26
BioscienceLA
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Join us for our sixth annual symposium. This event is specifically for veterans and service members transitioning out of the military and underrepresented populations—including but not limited to college students, professionals and job seekers who want to learn about the life science industry and opportunities within it.
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Greater Los Angeles Life Science CEO Summit
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Wednesday, November 1
Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel
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Join us in Los Angeles for the sixth year of our Life Science CEO Summit. This exclusive event brings together industry leaders in a retreat-style format, fostering connections, facilitating new relationships and providing invaluable insights. Engage with peers, expand your network, and stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving life science landscape.
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Biocom California | Greater Los Angeles
Biocom California is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. Our Los Angeles 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 Greater Los Angeles area, as we understand the life science sector’s unique challenges in the region and are collaborating on working toward solutions. 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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