Georgia Bio, in conjunction with the Metro Atlanta Chamber, today announced the National Cell Manufacturing Consortium as the 2017 Phoenix Award recipient for the successful collaboration of project leaders, Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia Research Alliance, and coordination with numerous national and Georgia-based institutions and bioscience companies. The organizations will be honored at the Georgia Bio Annual Awards Dinner on January 26, 2017, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North.

The National Cell Manufacturing Consortium (NCMC) is the first U.S. based national consortium focused on developing, maturing, and implementing technologies that can enable large-scale, cost-effective manufacturing of therapeutic cells. The NCMC, an industry-academia-government-clinician partnership led by Georgia Tech and the Georgia Research Alliance, was established through an Advanced Manufacturing roadmap grant from the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST.)

“The bioscience industry is a vital economic sector in our region,” said David Hartnett, Chief Economic Development Officer at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Consortiums like NCMC are yet one more sign of our strength and focus to making our the State a key hub for advanced research.”

The Phoenix Awards are presented annually by the Metro Atlanta Chamber Bioscience Leadership Council and Georgia Bio to recognize organizations for being on the frontlines of education and innovation as well as their outstanding contributions to the growth of the state’s bioscience industry. The award represents the iconic “rising from the ashes” of the Phoenix — a symbol of strength, tenacity and leadership.

Now in its 19th year, the Georgia Bio annual awards dinner brings together industry leaders to advance the growth of the life sciences industry and foster strategic partnerships that can create a healthier world. The life sciences industry and university research together with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have a $20 billion annual economic impact in Georgia and employ more than 94,000 people. Other leading companies, executives, researchers and dedicated individuals will receive Georgia Bio Awards at the dinner. Learn more at www.gabio.org/awards.

For a list of past Georgia Bio Industry Growth Award recipients, click here.

Georgia Bio (www.gabio.org) is the state’s life science industry association whose members include pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies, medical centers, universities and research institutes, government groups and other business organizations involved in the development of life sciences related products and services.

About the Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant region. To advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta's quality of place, MAC is focused on starting, growing and recruiting companies to the 29-county metro Atlanta region. The Chamber is also focused on growing the region's innovation economy by promoting and strengthening connections to drive Atlanta's innovation and entrepreneurial culture. MAC is committed to being an active voice for the business community, serving as an advocate for a competitive business climate, and telling Atlanta's story. For more information, visit www.metroatlantachamber.com

Note to Editors: Credentialed members of the news media are invited to attend. Registration is complimentary. Please contact Maria Thacker (404-920-2042; mthacker@gabio.org).