N.C. Biotech Training Group Changes Name

Research Triangle Park, N.C. — Acknowledging its name was “a mouthful,” the North Carolina Biomanufacturing and Pharmaceutical Training Consortium to NCBIOIMPACT.

The group unveiled its new name and a new logo on Monday.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the state’s Community College System, N.C. State University, N.C. Central University, N.C. Bioscience Organization, and the Golden LEAF Foundation make up the group.

The Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training & Education Center recently opened at NCSU. In June, the Biotechnology research Institute and Technology Enterprise facility will open at NCCU.

“I like to give people a simple explanation for biotechnology’s value to North Carolinians – 55,000 jobs at 450 companies that pay an average $30 an hour,” said Norris Tolson, chief executive officer at the Biotechnology Center. “Our state’s quarter-century of growth in biotech employment is having a terrific impact on people’s lives, and it wouldn’t have been possible at this pace without this workforce preparation network.”

The Golden LEAF Foundation has helped launch the training efforts with $70 million in funding.

“NCBIOIMPACT is providing a constant flow of educated workers at all levels, which gives North Carolina a significant competitive advantage,” said Sam Taylor, president of NCBIO. “This effort provides not only for entry-level employees, but also strengthens training programs for incumbent workers at companies already here.”

Forma, a marketing firm specializing in biotech, life science and high technology in Raleigh, helped pick the new name and create the logo.