Gov. Gregoire in Germany to promote Washington biotech and tourism

For Immediate Release: June 15, 2005

Mainz, Germany - June 15, 2005 - Gov. Christine Gregoire and her trade delegation arrived in Mainz, Germany today to recruit biotech businesses and tourists to Washington state.

Washington�s delegation, which includes business leaders, elected officials and trade association representatives, held a briefing for German biotech companies. The briefing included a presentation by Dr. Winfried Haumesser, the head of industrial operations and environment for Schering AG. Haumesser said Schering AG�s subsidiary, Berlex, recently located and then expanded its manufacturing operations in Snohomish County.

�We were most impressed by Washington's speedy permitting, excellent local and state assistance, quality workforce and concentration of biotech firms,� said Haumesser.

�I want to see more international companies selecting Washington as a place to do business,� said Gregoire.

Tomorrow, Gov. Gregoire will meet with German tour operators and travel writers to promote tourism to Washington state. She will also meet with officials of the Frankfurt Economic Development Council and the president of the U.S. American Chamber of Commerce in Frankfurt.

The trade mission delegation is promoting Washington products, services and investment opportunities, with a focus on the aerospace industry, the biomedical and biotech arenas, and raising the state's visibility as a premier tourism destination. The governor and the delegation will visit the United Kingdom on Friday before returning home.

For more information please visit the governor's website to view:

Photos available at

The governor's itinerary at:
http://www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/default.htm

A list of delegates:
http://www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/delegates.htm

Background on the purpose and objectives of the trip:
http://www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/purpose.htm

Why Europe?:
http://www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/whyeurope.htm

Why Now?: http://www.governor.wa.gov/actions/trade/2005europe/whynow.htm

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