Smaller Wisconsin delegation at BIO 2009 event

ATLANTA - Wisconsin has a significantly smaller contingent at this year's BIO conference, but it's not the only state feeling the effects of the recession.

"It's an international trend," said Mickey Judkins, who is coordinating the state effort for the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. "Companies and even countries are cutting back and sending fewer people."

Last year, when the annual gathering of global biotech companies, researchers and leaders was held in San Diego, 54 Badger State companies and institutions attended. For 2009, that figure has fallen to 31.

Judkins said state spending is also down, dropping from more than $200,000 last year to an estimated $180,000 this year.

"In these difficult economic times, we've found some efficiencies, but we still think it's important that Wisconsin have a major presence there because biotech is vital to this state," she said.

Read more about Wisconsin's BIO presence in a new WisBusiness story: http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.Iml?Article=158884