Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County

Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County - Grand Opening and Media Relations Campaign

The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to the creation of a world-class biotechnology center; to the promotion of regional economic development and job creation; and to the education and training of tomorrow’s researchers.

The Center is the joint creation of the Hepatitis B Foundation and Delaware Valley College with a shared vision of sustaining the vitality and beauty of Bucks County and the region, as a place of discovery, education and job creation.

Furia Rubel worked with the Hepatitis B Foundation to strategically plan the grand opening and implement effective media relations surrounding the event. The Foundation’s main focus was to reach out to the local community, media, legislatures and all involved in the creation of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center.

Furia Rubel provided strategic planning, media pitching and management, event oversight, and tactical execution of the grand opening. The event included a ribbon cutting, presentations from VIPs and key players followed by refreshments, facility tours of the Center and VIP photo opportunities. More than 250 VIPs attended the event including 12 elected officials, Board members from the Hepatitis B Foundation and Delaware Valley College, members of the media and community business leaders.

Speakers included Dr. Timothy Block, President of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center and the Hepatitis B Foundation; State Senator Joe Conti; Robert Torres, Deputy Secretary, PA Department of Health; RoseAnn Rosenthal, President, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA; Dr. Thomas Leamer, President, Delaware Valley College.

A special announcement on behalf of Governor Rendell was made by Jeannine Marttila, executive director of the Department of Community and Economic Development Technology Investment Office. The state awarded $250,000 to the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center and designated it a Keystone Innovation Zone. Proclamations were also presented by state senators, state representatives, county and local Commissioners.

The Philadelphia Business Journal published an exclusive cover story the week of the event. A sample of other print news coverage to date includes The Philadelphia Inquirer, Trend Leader, The Intelligencer, Bucks County Herald, Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, The Morning Call and PharmaVOICE. Broadcasts include KYW 1060 Newsradio, WPVI-TV 6 Action News and WFMZ-TV 69 News. The story was also featured by the Associated Press and Yahoo News. The return on investment is anticipated to exceed 300%. More importantly, feedback from attendees, thought leaders, the elected officials and the media has been outstanding.