Memphis Biotech Foundation Changes Name to Bioworks

January 21, 2005 -- "Bioworks" Better Captures the Growth of the Bioscience Industry
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, January 21, 2005 - The Memphis Biotech Foundation has a new name that encompasses the growth of the bioscience industry for Memphis and better reflects the mission and focus of the organization. The Foundation's new name, the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, accurately describes the regional dynamics of their mission which is "making Memphis an internationally recognized region for research and commercialization of biomedical technologies."

To grow the bioscience industry, the Foundation has taken the lead in building the infrastructure, growing the workforce, and driving entrepreneurship throughout the region. Given the internationally famous research and treatment programs in catastrophic children's diseases, well developed leadership in orthopedics, musculoskeletal and medical devices, significant biomedical and agricultural research and product development, and a host of other bioscience programs in the area, Memphis Bioworks Foundation encompasses it all.

"The use of the word 'tech' brings to mind certain images that are much too limiting for all that is now happening and all that is being planned in research, education, discovery, treatment and business development within the Memphis bioscience community," said Dr. Steven J. Bares, Executive Director and President for the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. "From the orthopedic industry that defines Memphis to the chemical and agricultural programs so integral to our economy, we felt the new name better reflected the scope of Memphis' bioscience initiative."
In addition to the name, the Foundation is unveiling a new logo. The logo, designed to simulate the structure of interconnected molecules, reflects the role the Foundation plays in building the Memphis bio community, offering visual imagery relevant to the Foundation. The same logo treatment, in different colors, is used by the Memphis Regional Chamber Bioworks Development Council and is the overall brand for the biosciences initiatives in the city.

"Bioworks extends beyond biotechnical, bioscience, biomedical, bioagriculture, and more to encompass - and connect - them all. That makes it perfect for the Foundation's identity," Bares added.

Memphis Bioworks Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, was formed in early 2001 to establish the Memphis region as an internationally recognized center for biomedical technology. Baptist Health Care Corporation donated its property in the Midtown Medical Center to the Foundation for the site of its research park, the focal point of the biomedical and economic development. The research park, which will include an incubation program to develop new businesses in biotechnology, will be the centerpiece of a larger biomedical research and development center.

The Bioworks logo and identity was designed by Memphis-based Disciple Design and Thompson & Company.