ESTERO — - Contributed by Kristi J. Bartlett, Economic Development Council of Collier County

To help attract quality high-wage jobs and companies in the bioscience industry, the Southwest Florida chapter of BioFlorida will hold an event Feb. 9 at the Embassy Suites, Estero.

The theme will be education programs and work force development that support the bioscience/Life science industry in Southwest Florida. The session is from 5 to 9 p.m. and is open to the public.

Educators will highlight the programs they have to support industry needs, showcase their current student base and listen directly to industry leaders’ needs. Industry representatives will convey who the key people are and where the programs of interest to them are located in local universities and colleges.

And students and student clubs will be invited to showcase their efforts and activities in the form of table-top displays and posters. Students will be encouraged to bring resumes to discuss potential job and or internship placement opportunities in Southwest Florida.

Southwest Florida is poised to be the next hot-spot for growth in Florida’s expanding bioscience industry. BioFlorida will provide the leadership, communications, advocacy and networking to bring key players to drive growth in this industry.