Biotech graces Bloomington

The Indiana Daily Student reported Monday Cook Group Inc. is going to build a biotech facility in Bloomington that will create about 800 jobs within the community. We at the IDS welcome the Cook Group to the IU neighborhood. \nNot only will the factory produce new and better drugs for people around the world, it will improve the town by offering qualified people local jobs -- perhaps serving to slow down the brain drain. Also, the fact this company was originally started in Bloomington from the apartment of its founders is pleasantly ironic.\nThis facility will provide many students with internships and on-the-job experience that is crucial to the success of students academically and in the job realm. This will be a welcome change to the city since many businesses have been leaving, creating an even greater job shortage. Plus, the fact it is being built so close to the University shows a great partnership between educational institutions and local businesses. \nAccording to the IDS article, the Indiana Department of Commerce put a lot of work into this crucial deal which will benefit so many Hoosiers, present and future. Because of the tax breaks and incentives Cook Group Inc. received from the state, the company will be helping students and citizens learn more about pharmaceuticals for years to come. We are glad to see this happen. \nAccording to bizsites.com, the May 2003 issue of Scientist magazine called Indiana a "hidden treasure" in the life science industry, which includes pharmaceuticals. This means leaders in other areas of Indiana could toy with the idea of bringing life science companies to their own town. \nDave Goodrich, president and CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership told bizsites.com creating an initiative to increase more jobs, businesses and research opportunities in the life sciences industry "is about extracting research from our universities and pairing it with companies and venture capitalists to create new companies."\nThe Cook plant is not an isolated idea within the state. According to The Indianapolis Star, Eli Lilly broke ground for a new biotechnology complex just over three weeks ago. BioCrossroads, a joint effort of state and local government, universities and businesses, will introduce new leadership with a firm called Indiana Health Information Exchange. The company will build a network that would allow health providers to share patient information more efficiently. \nThe number of job losses is an issue at the forefront of many voters' minds as the election looms near. Life sciences can offer a wealth opportunity to qualified job-seekers, and we are glad Cook Pharmacia will help us be a part of that growth.