Governor visits Invitrogen, praises biotech investment

By: BRADLEY J. FIKES - Staff Writer | Monday, February 11, 2008 1:59 PM PST ∞

Gov. Arnold Sch. tours a tissue culture laboratory at Calrsbad's Invitrogen Corp. this morning. The governor is in town to discuss bio-technology and business leaders to discuss how the development of innovative technology continues to boost California’s economy.
BRADLEY J. FIKES Staff Photographer

CARLSBAD ---- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visited Carlsbad's Invitrogen Corp. Monday morning to focus attention on California's large biotechnology industry.

Schwarzenegger pointed to Invitrogen and other biotech companies as a source of strength in California's economy, and said he favored further investment in biotech. With California's economy showing weakness, the governor said, industries like biotech deserve government support.

"The action is where you are. This is where the jobs are being created," Schwarzenegger said.

Schwarzenegger referred to Proposition 71, which is funding stem cell research with $3 billion in bond money, as the type of investment California needs to do more of.

"While we see our unemployment numbers are going up, we see industries like this are actually hiring," Schwarzenegger said to a group of about 15 local biotech, business and political leaders who were on hand for the event.

"This place here is expanding," the governor said, referring to Invitrogen, which is rapidly growing. "Invitrogen is now employing another 200 people, while we're seeing the unemployment numbers going up, to 6.1 percent. ... This is because we invested in the future of California."

Schwarzenegger also praised infrastructure bond funding passed by voters in 2006 as another example of investment with a payoff. He lamented that the bonds did not include funding for more prisons and for increased water delivery capacity.

The message went over well with the local business and political leaders.

"We're very proud that your administration has taken on the support of desalination," said Bud Lewis, mayor of Carlsbad, where a private company is attempting to build a desalination plant. "Without water, we're nothing. And we talk about about all these jobs ---- unless you get water into this region, and make (supply) more stable and good water ---- we're not going to have it."

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Pre-Registration Comments[-]Go to Top

EdD wrote on Feb 11, 2008 3:14 PM:Companies like Invitrogen, led by Greg Lucier are a big part of what makes this area unique. A great guy, leading a great team, making a positive contribution to their community.

Concerned-1 wrote on Feb 11, 2008 3:17 PM:That is the message: Unless you get water here, one of your main economic engines will not perform.

John E wrote on Feb 11, 2008 4:02 PM:On issues such as stem cell research, the Republican party needs to listen to Nancy Reagan, Arnold, and others who recognize the huge humanitarian and economic opportunity it represents.

Thanks Gov wrote on Feb 11, 2008 4:11 PM:In case you forgot we have a serious water situation down here that as governor you are doing nothing about. Biotech won't do jack without water. We also have a serious illegal immigration problem that it looks like Arizona can solve because they have leadership. How about you trying. I know your buddies Parada and Nunez are going to be gone but step up you can do it on your own. Quit trying to be loved by everyone and take a stand on things that reallt matter!

JP wrote on Feb 11, 2008 5:04 PM:While you're in the area, Arnold, swing by the 4 casinos and pick up the first installment check.

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