Unusual Sponsor at Wisconsin BIO 2006 Pavilion

At first blush, it might seem odd that the Restaino Bunbury Real Estate Co. is a sponsor of the Wiscsonsin Pavilion at BIO 2006.

But the firm is here and has a prominent sign in the 1,600-square-foot pavilion and hosts a small, private meeting area at the site.

Why a real estate company amongst hundreds of life-science companies, states and countries touting their life-science prowess?

"We are here to put a face on Madison and Wisconsin," said Bette MacCarthy, head of business development. "When biotech researchers or companies want to come to Wisconsin, we can tell them what a great place it is to live and work."

MacCarthy noted that her company is the preferred vendor for the Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association.

"I was just speaking with an Italian fellow and bragging about our state," she said. "We're biased, but we think Wisconsin is a wonderful place to do business and research."

In addition to Restaino Bunbury, other non-science sponsors of the pavilion include First Weber, the Flad and Associates engineering company and Skyline marketing firm.