ANN ARBOR – The 2006 MichBio Expo on Wednesday announced two of its keynote speakers for this year’s conference to be held in Grand Rapids this October ? David Duncan, the co host of NPR’s Biotech Nation, and David Van Andel, the CEO of the Van Andel Institute, a biomedical R&D center in Grand Rapids.
Duncan is an award-winning, best-selling author of six books, a contributing editor to Wired and Discover magazines, a science columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and a commentator for NPR?s Morning Edition. Law firm Clark Hill, with offices in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Birmingham and Lansing, is underwriting Duncan?s appearance.
Van Andel, the son of Amway co-founder Jay Van Andel, is the opening keynote speaker. Both the institute he runs, and Van Andel himself have been key players in and strong advocates for developing the life science industry in West Michigan and throughout the state.
Van Andel also serves as the chairman and CEO of Idea Sphere Inc., a supplier of natural and organic products and is the co-owner and chairman of the Grand Rapids Griffins, an International Hockey League team.
“Msrs. Duncan and Van Andel continue the MichBio tradition of presenting outstanding keynote speakers at our state-wide gatherings that inspire our business and entrepreneurial community.? said Stephen Rapundalo, the executive director of MichBio. ?Our keynotes will bring to the podium a broad national perspective on the one hand, and a deep knowledge of the local life sciences industry on the other ? with a focus at the biotechnology, entrepreneurial and public policy levels.”
The MichBio Expo runs October 10-12 at the DeVos Conference Center in Grand Rapids.
Agenda details and online registration for the event can be found by clicking on MichBioExpo.Com
