Purpose

FirstStrategic has represented Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) since its inception, launching a coordinated effort to make TGen a leader in biosciences in the state.

Strategy

FirstStrategic aids the organization with community relations, press relations, Arizona fundraising, stakeholder communications and management, local, state and federal government affairs and interface, and university relations through forging and developing strategic partnerships throughout the community. Introducing TGen to Arizona at a grasstops level with elected officials and community leaders and at a grassroots level, reaching out to the broader community and developing partnerships with schools and community organizations. Forging these partnerships allows us to successfully advocate for TGen and its work, helping to position the organization to successfully to expand both its private and public resources it needs to sustain and grow.

Results

Since 2003, the client partnership has yielded over $22 million in funding, including an appropriation from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and other governmental and private sector entities that established TGen North. This new facility in Flagstaff focuses on Pathogen Genomics, utilizing and advancing technology in the biodefense arena. Most recently, in 2007, FirstStrategic secured a five year extension on funding to TGen and successfully lobbied for SB 1355, which appropriates $7.1 million for autism research at the institute's facility.