By Andrea Calcagno
 
April 27, 2009
 
ASHLAND, Ore. -- Bioscience companies in Southern Oregon are looking at ways to utilize federal stimulus money.
 
The bioscience industry, which employs about 13,000 statewide, is one of the Oregon's fastest growing industries. It created more than three billion dollars in revenue in 2007. The Southern Oregon Bioscience Industry Consortium say now is a good time for company growth.
 
"There are more grants available, more money is available, opportunities are available, the descriptions are a lot broader, a lot more opportunities have been identified, primarily to get people into the work force," says SOBIC Coordinator James Mau.
 
Mark Wier, COO for Strawjet Inc., which makes building materials out of agricultural waste, says Southern Oregon is a good place to start.
 
"I think the biggest advantage we have being in the Rogue Valley, is we have a very open community when it comes to new ideas. So we've had a lot of luck getting our product out there and getting people to accept it," says Weir.
 
The Oregon Biosciences Association is organizing courses to train people to successfully work in the bioscience industry.
 
"Some of the challenges that bioscience companies face here in Oregon is if you have a company that wants to start up, or a company that wants to relocate here, is there workforce available?" asks Mau.