The Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation has been awarded a 2020 Community Economic Development Award from the Texas Economic Development Council. The award honors excellence and exceptional contributions of Texas communities in economic development.
Each year, the CEDAs are awarded in five different categories based on population. The Brazos Valley is part of the 250,000+ population category, meaning it competes each year against the largest metropolitan areas in the state. Entries are judged on innovativeness, transferability, community commitment and leverage, measurable objectives, and secondary benefits to the community.
For the award, the BVEDC submitted FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ expansion project for a 65,000 sq. ft. gene therapy facility on the College Station side of the region’s Biocorridor. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ $120 million capital investment will boost the company’s Brazos Valley operations and create up to 300 new jobs.
“A strong team effort is required to receive a prestigious Community Economic Development Award, and the Brazos Valley takes teamwork to the next level,” said Matt Prochaska, president/CEO, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation. “FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies has been an incredible partner in our community, and the company’s work speaks for itself. Our cities, county, higher education entities, and companies like FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies come together each day to increase the strength and competitiveness of the Brazos Valley. We thank the Texas Economic Development Council for this recognition.”
The expansion project spotlights the region’s commitment to creating an interconnected, master-planned bioscience research and development community, which includes the partnership between FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies and the Texas A&M University System’s Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing. The resulting partnership provides research collaborations and workforce advantages to the Brazos Valley.
Since the expansion announcement, a $265 million order supporting Operation Warp Speed was announced, reserving production capacity at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ Texas facility for a COVID-19 vaccine candidate in a contract between the federal government and CIADM.
“We are honored to be part of the thriving Brazos Valley community and creating skilled jobs for the local workforce,” says Dr. Gerry Farrell, chief operating officer, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Texas. “With the opportunity to mass produce a COVID-19 vaccine right here in Brazos Valley, the Biocorridor will become one of the biggest hubs for biotech innovation.”
The BVEDC will receive the CEDA on behalf of the community Wednesday, Oct. 7, as part of the TEDC’s annual conference.
The Brazos Valley previously won CEDAs in 2000 and 1998. The awards were established in 1995.
