CENTRAL NEW YORK -- Some of the leading biotechnology companies in the country gathered in Syracuse Friday to discuss the future of the industry and its potential effect on the Central New York economy.
Dr. John Frieshko, Executive Director of the Central New York Biotechnology Research Center, says New York State currently accounts for more than 5% of all new biotechnology jobs and many of those jobs are being created right here in Central New York.
"We have companies like O'Brien and Gere that do environmental clean-up using bioremediation and biotechnology. Bristol-Squibb makes biopharmaceuticals using biotechnology," he says.
Randy Yerden's multimillion dollar biotech company, Biospherix, is based in Redfield and employs more than 50 people. Yerden, who grew up in nearby Sandy Creek, says it is rewarding to be able to bring jobs back to his hometown.
"It is very satisfying. There is a long history of manufacturing in Sandy Creek that has declined. We are proof that jobs can come back and manufacturing can thrive" he says.
More biotech jobs are expected to come to the region when the Central New York Biotechnology and Research Center opens in Syracuse next year.
