Thursday, June 30, 2011

CBSA June Focus Newsletter Spotlights AlloSource, the largest provider of living stem cell transplants in the world

The Colorado Bioscience Association spotlights AlloSource in its June Focus Newsletter.

"AlloSource, a CBSA member since 2002 that is headquartered in Centennial, is renowned for its unwavering focus on its mission of maximizing the gift of human tissue donation by creating innovative life enhancing and saving tissue products from even the most novel processes."

Other articles include:

From the President...Holli Riebel (formerly Baumunk) - Page 1

BioBogey Golf Tournament Thank You - Page 3

Upcoming CBSA Events - Page 4

Link to the June Focus Newsletter pdf

Link to the AlloSource website

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

CID4 Portfolio: 'VetDC hopes money will lead to canine cancer drug on market'

Quoting from the Coloradoan article by Business Editor Pat Ferrier:

"A small CSU biotech spinoff developing a cancer drug for dogs has become the third company to partner with Colorado Institute for Drug, Device and Diagnostic Development, CID4, since the statewide institute was formed in 2009...

Veterinary Emerging Technologies Development Corporation, or VetDC, will get $200,000 in bridge financing, management support and key introductions to potential venture capitalists from CID4, a 2-year-old nonprofit designed to grow the state's biosciences...

VetDC hopes to leverage the $200,000 convertible notes from CID4 into $7 million to $8 million in venture or angel capital to develop and bring a new canine cancer drug to market...

VetDC acquired the North American rights to the chemotherapy drug, VDC-1101, earlier this year from Gilead Sciences."


Link to full article at coloradoan.com

Monday, June 27, 2011

2011 Bioscience Colorado Magazine Debuts at BIO International Conference in Washington D.C. This Week

This year's issue, Bridging the Gap from Discovery to Commercialization, takes a closer look at the process from discovery to commercialization with the following feature articles:

Discovery to Development: The Story of Technology Transfer
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Creative Financing
Colorado's Clinical Trial Landscape
Mile High Manufacturing
Changing the Lives of Patients for the Better


The edition also includes critical updates of the resources, statistics and information you depend on from this publication.

Colorado by the Numbers: 2011 update
Bioscience Discovery Evaluation Grant Program Awardees
Directory of Bioscience Companies and Resources


Member copies will be mailed this week- additional copies will be available at upcoming CBSA events.

Link to the pdf version

Link to the flipbook version

'Colorado companies head to Washington to promote state'

Quoting from the Denver Post article by Howard Pankratz:

"The Colorado BioScience Association will head the Colorado Pavilion at the Biotechnology Organization's international convention which starts today in Washington.

The CBSA is a not-for-profit organization which provides service and support for Colorado's biosciences industry. The CBSA has more than 350 members."

Link to denverpost.com

Colorado Showcases Its Bioscience Industry at BIO 2011 Conference In Washington DC This Week

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) will head the Colorado Pavilion at the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s (BIO) International Convention in Washington DC, June 27-30. CBSA President and CEO, Holli Riebel (formerly Baumunk) recently stated, “Colorado is the next frontier in life sciences. Everyday, over 600 Colorado bioscience companies help improve lives locally and around the world. The BIO Conference is a fantastic opportunity so showcase the talent and resources in Colorado to the rest of the country.”

Colorado Pavilion Partners– Exhibit Hall Booth #2107
- Bridging Health Matters
- Broomfield Economic Development Corporation
- Colorado BioScience Association
- Colorado Institute for Drug, Device and Diagnostic Development (CID4)
- Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
- Colorado Science + Technology Park at Fitzsimons
- Colorado State University Technology Transfer Office
- Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority
- LABS Inc.
- LCC Consulting, LLC
- Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation
- Southeast Business Partnership
- University of Colorado Technology Transfer Office

Colorado companies at the 2011 Convention:
- Amgen • Booth #1851
- Barofold, Inc • Booth #4323
- CBL Biopharma • Presenting
- GlobeImmune, Inc. • Presenting
- Inviragen • Booth #4613
- MenoGenix • Partnering
- Roche Colorado • 2750

Link to the Business Wire release

Sunday, June 26, 2011

From June 18: 'Organic Gardening with Fish Rich Fertilizer'

Quoting from The Suburban Jungle:

"My parents were organic gardeners by default - it was just how they were raised. Years later, I became an organic gardener - first out of laziness (who wants to figure out all the fertilizer/pesticide rules) and then out of concern for what is going into our bodies and our world.

So over my many years, I've come to know a thing or two about organic gardening. I've learned that by NOT fertilizing your plants, you end up with a much smaller harvest. I've learned that beyond the chemical impact, organic fertilizers provide a more complete nutrient profile - micronutrients, enzymes, trace minerals, etc. I've also learned that not all organic fertilizers are created equal."

Link to The Suburban Jungle

June 24 - Coloradoans for an Innovation Economy: Action Plan Rollout for Senators Bennet, Udall and Governor Hickenlooper

Coloradoans for an Innovation Economy present their action plan to Colorado's Senators Bennet and Udall and Governor Hickenlooper at Sierra Nevada Corp. Space Systems Group's offices in Louisville, CO. CBSA Pres/CEO Holli Riebel; Sierra Nevada Corp Vice President Mark Sirangelo; and Ron Sega, Vice President and Enterprise Executive for Energy and the Environment at Colorado State University; together co-chaired the panel. The group, organized at the suggestion of Senator Bennet, included representatives from the state's bioscience, aerospace and cleantech industries. In addition to Riebel, bioscience participants on the Coloradoans for and Innovation Economy include Steve Orndorf, CEO of Ariel Pharmaceuticals and Board Chair of the Colorado BioScience Association; Timothy C. Rodell, M.D., GlobeImmune CEO; Dr. Dan Stinchcomb, Co-founder and CEO of Inviragen; and David Allen, Associate Vice President for Technology Transfer University of Colorado and Board Member of the CBSA.

Link to the action plan report: http://tinyurl.com/ColoradoCompetesReport

Link to the Facebook photo gallery of the event: http://tinyurl.com/ColoradoCompetesPhotoGallery

Video clips from the presentation - Holli Riebel - Attracting Capital to Colorado:


http://youtu.be/2c6IHAylJPg

Holli Riebel - Partnerships are Key to Financing Innovation:
http://youtu.be/hDCh5FLEO1A

Timothy C. Rodell, M.D - BIO Committee Recommendation to FDA: http://youtu.be/XXliantUqR0

Friday, June 24, 2011

VetDC Funding: 'Fort Collins company gets grant'

Quoting from the posting:

"Veterinary Emerging Technologies Development, a Fort Collins company that develops medical technology for companion animals, has won an investment from the Colorado Institute for Drug, Device and Diagnostic Development (CID4)... CID4 is a nonprofit funded by grants from the state and the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority. Its grants have created 20 jobs in the last 18 months."

Link to denverpost.com

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

'Colorado Institute Awards Funding to VetDC'

Quoting from Veterinary Practice News:

"The Colorado Institute for Drug, Device and Diagnostic Development (CID4), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, selected Veterinary Emerging Technologies Development Corp. (VetDC) to receive funding and management assistance. VetDC develops and commercializes technologies to address unmet medical needs in companion animals."

Link to the posting

Colorado Institute for Drug, Device and Diagnostic Development Awards Funding to Fort Collins-based VetDC

The Colorado Institute for Drug, Device and Diagnostic Development has selected Ft. Collins, Colorado-based Veterinary Emerging Technologies Development Corporation (VetDC) to receive funding and management assistance. VetDC in-licenses, develops and commercializes technologies to address serious unmet medical needs in companion animals. The announcement is made by Kevin M. Smith, CID4 President & CEO, who says, "CID4 is providing funding as well as access to CID4’s expert management team’s experience and deep network of potential partners and funders to advance VetDC’s cancer-focused veterinary products."

Performance highlights of CID4 and its funded entities to date include:
* $1.25 million in investments by CID4 has allowed an additional $1.3 million in third party financing into Project companies.
* 20 jobs created within 18 months.
* FDA clearance to market Sophono, Inc.’s Alpha 1 abutment-free, bone anchored hearing device in the US and Europe.
* Rapid progression in PeptiVir’s research and development of its universal influenza vaccine.
* Established a continuous application process so technology owners can apply when they are ready (versus the prior model which was limited to semi-annual solicitations).
* Redevelopment of the CID4 website to provide a more interactive experience and provide more benefits to visitors, as well as provide a direct link to technology submissions.

Link to the PR Newswire release

Link to the Pitch Engine Social Media Release

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Denver Post: 'Painted cats bring in the green' [CCS fundraising goal topped by $10K]

Quoting from Joanne Davidson's June 17th column:

"All the purring going on at Cat Care Society headquarters today isn't just because another kitty has been adopted to a loving home.

It's the result of a report handed to executive director Shari Shiffer-Krieger that indicates the inaugural Tails of the Painted Cats fundraiser exceeded expectations, raising $40,000 instead of the anticipated $30,000."

Link to the Inside Line column

Link to the photo gallery by David Zalubowski (special to the Denver Post) - 'Tails of the Painted Cats has Cat Care Society purring'

Friday, June 17, 2011

CID4 Pres/CEO Kevin Smith Presents at Jeffco EDC/We Work for Health Event

CID4 overview by Kevin Smith, President & CEO:



http://youtu.be/Mqo4pyQoLSY

Don't Miss Them... The Amazing Acro-Cats, Proceeds Benefit Cat Care Society

Check out a preview at the 9News website (Gregg Moss, Kyle Dyer and Amelia Earhart all get involved in the show):

http://www.9news.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1000444127001

Watch TheRockCats on YouTube:



What Dad doesn't want an outing to Acro-Cats on Father's Day?

Plus, proceeds benefit Denver's Cat Care Society!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

The Ag Revolution: 'Organic Fertilizer from Fish'

Quoting from the June 1 Posting:

"We recently learned that the Bell Aquaculture, the largest farmer of yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and a company committed to sustainable farming, has begun selling fish by-products as an organic fertilizer.

This started me thinking about the American Indians and their farming techniques. One myth is that Native Americans used fish as fertilizer to a significant extent. Squanto apparently showed the Pilgrims how to use fish for fertilizer in 1621, but there is no evidence that the Indians customarily followed this practice. Historians believe Native American farmers used crop rotation more often than fertilizing with organic matter.

It is now thought that Indian agriculturists used fire to control weeds and brush and to mineralize nutrients. Although burning depletes nitrogen and sulfur, it recycles organic-bound nutrients such as phosphorous, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. When the land was depleted, they moved on, as you would expect for a culture without property rights and with a small population relative to the available land.

Working to soil to maximize production, with fertilizer, crop rotation and crop selection becomes important when the farmer is committed to a specific parcel of land. So we were excited to hear that the byproducts from organic fish farming is now available from a company that is committed to sustainable farming."

Link to theagrevolution.com

Videos Now Posted: Check out the 'Tails of the Painted' Cats 30th Anniversary Birthday Bash!


http://youtu.be/-N1cnFXftog

NewsRadio 850 KOA's April Zesbaugh - Welcome Remarks
http://youtu.be/lfoSpFw40Bw

Heads or Tails Game at Tails of the Painted Cats Gala
http://youtu.be/vq1adQF-wPY

CCS Exec Dir Shari Shiffer-Krieger and Real Kitty Corporal Waddles
http://youtu.be/FjKsfp8X2LU

Cat Care Society's 'Traveling Tom' Gets a New Home (for the next year)
http://youtu.be/R1sVJOJXVzk

Auctioneer Don Martin: 'I'm a Humaniac!' at Cat Care Society's 30th
http://youtu.be/PRWUPHjWqB4

FIS.com Companies & Products: 'Bell Aquaculture Breaks Ground On USD 5 Million Expansion'

Quoting from the posting:

"Bell Aquaculture, a pioneer in sustainable fish farming operations, broke ground last week on a USD 5 million expansion at its production facility in Albany, Indiana, the largest yellow perch (Perca flavenscens) fish farm in the United States.

The announcement is made by Norman McCowan, president of Bell Aquaculture, who says, 'Our team has been working diligently to bring this expansion to fruition and are thrilled the financing finally came together to help fuel Bell Aquaculture's continued growth.'"

Link to fis.com

Spanish version - Bell Aquaculture Comienza Expansión De USD 5 Millones

Friday, June 10, 2011

Just Posted: 'Bell Aquaculture Breaks Ground On $5 Mil Yellow Perch Farm Expansion'

Quoting from Perishable News:

"Bell Aquaculture, a pioneer in sustainable fish farming operations, broke ground on a $5 million expansion at its production facility in Albany, IN -- the nation's largest yellow perch (Perca flavenscens) fish farm. The announcement is made by Norman McCowan, president of Bell Aquaculture, who says, "Our team has been working diligently to bring this expansion to fruition and are thrilled the financing finally came together to help fuel Bell Aquaculture's continued growth."

Link to PerishableNews.com

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Rocky Radar: Sophono Receives FDA Clearance for Hearing Device

Quoting from the posting:

"Sophono announced that it has received FDA clearance for its implantable Otomag Alpha 1(M) Bone Conduction Hearing System. The Alpha 1(M) can treat several hearing disorders including conductive and mixed hearing loss, as well as single sided deafness. The offers distinct advantages from current implanted bone conduction hearing devices that require an abutment (a titanium screw sticking out of the side of the head). The use of an abutment also necessitates permanent hair removal and the daily hygiene routines. The Alpha 1(M) instead uses magnetic coupling between internal (implanted) and external magnets to secure the device. The device is approved for use in adults and children as young as 5. Sophono, based in Boulder, Colorado, received startup funding from the Colorado Institute for Drug, Device and Diagnostic Development."

Link to Rocky Radar

Rocky Radar: Second Class of Boettcher Investigators Announced

Quoting from the posting:

"The Boettcher Foundation announced its second class of investigators in the Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Program. This program provides grants of between $200,000 and $300,000 to assist early-career investigators (ECIs) engaged in biomedical science research in Colorado. These grants provide ECIs, defined as those who are four years or less from their first academic appointment at a research institution, funds to get research at their own labs underway, as NIH funding can be difficult to attract for those early in their careers. This year’s recipients hail from three different campuses around the state. A list of the recipients and their research topics follows."

Link to Rocky Radar

Boulder Daily Camera: CU scientists named 'Boettcher Investigators' for their work to improve human health

Quoting from the article by Brittany Anas:

"Three University of Colorado researchers — including one scientist from the Boulder campus — have been named to the 2011 class of Boettcher Investigators, a program that supports scientists who are early in their careers and working toward making discoveries that improve human health.

This is the second year for the Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Program."

Link to the dailycamera.com

SeafoodSource: 'Bell Aquaculture expands perch facility'

Quoting from the June 6th posting:

"Bell Aquaculture on Friday broke ground on a USD 5 million expansion at its production plant in Indiana, the United States’ largest farmed yellow perch facility.

Partnering with The Conservation Fund, Indiana Soybean Alliance and Pranger Enterprise to further develop Indiana aquaculture using sustainable water recycling technology, the expansion will add 3 million fish annually to the facility’s capacity."

Link to SeafoodSource.com

TheFishSite Latest News: 'Bell Aquaculture: $5 Million Expansion'

Quoting from TheFishSite:

"Bell Aquaculture, a leader in sustainable fish farming operations, has announced a planned $5 million expansion at its production facility in Albany, Indiana, the nation's largest yellow perch (Perca flavenscens) fish farm.

The announcement was made by Norman McCowan, president of Bell Aquaculture, who said, 'Our team has been working diligently to bring this expansion to fruition and are thrilled the financing finally came together to help fuel Bell Aquaculture's continued growth.'"

Link to thefishsite.com

Hoosier Ag Today: 'Bell Aquaculture of Indiana Expanding Largest in Nation Operation'

Quoting from Hoosier Ag Today:

"June has already been a significant month for Indiana based Bell Aquaculture. The Delaware County yellow perch fish farm, the largest in the nation, is getting even larger with the Friday groundbreaking of a $5 million expansion of the growing operation.

Company president Norman McCowan says the grow building being constructed in Albany is 38,000 square feet...

...Also this month Bell Aquaculture announced a new product, Fish Rich Organic Fertilizer, a natural plant fertilizer. The remains of the day’s fish processing are ground up to create a liquid fertilizer for the home garden and organic markets. Fish Rich is available for purchase at the company website."

Link to an mp3 download of Norman McCowan's interview with Andy Eubank

Link to the Hoosier Ag Today posting

Business Line: 'Bell plans plant expansion'

Quoting from the Star Press:

"Bell Aquaculture, which owns sustainable fish farming operations, has broken ground on a $5 million expansion at its production facility in Albany, which the company calls the nation's largest yellow perch (Perca flavenscens) fish farm."

Link to thestarpress.com

Monday, June 6, 2011

Green Living Guy: Fish Rich Launch and Bell Aquaculture Expansion

Thanks to Seth Leitman, That Green Living Guy, for posting both of Bell Aquaculture's recent announcements - the Fish Rich launch and $5 Million Expansion:

Bell Aquaculture Launches New Product: Fish Rich Organic Fertilizer 2-3-2

Bell Aquaculture Announces $5 Million Expansion For Sustainable Fish Farming

This Morning: 'Indiana Fish Farm Expanding'

Quoting from InsideINBusiness.com:

"Bell Aquaculture has broken ground on a $5 million expansion at its fish farm in Albany. The northeast Indiana facility is the nation’s largest yellow perch fish farm, and the added capacity will provide three million more fish per year."

Link to this morning's posting.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Inside & Out: Details About Tomorrow's 30th Anniversary Dinner/Art Auction Celebration, Tails of the Painted Cats

Quoting from this morning's "In House" by Elana Ashanti Jefferson:

"The auction includes more than a dozen fiberglass cats, each standing about 28 inches tall, that have been painted and embellished by local artists. Bidding on the cats starts at $300; tickets to the auction gala are $75. For tickets and auction information, call the Cat Care Society today between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 303-239-9680, ext. 20."

Link to denverpost.com

Friday, June 3, 2011

Art - 'Homes wanted: A last look at the Tails of the Painted Cats before the final bidding'

Quoting from the article by Susan Froyd:

"The flock of seventeen artist-decorated fiberglass felines that are the core of the Cat Care Society's fundraiser Tails of the Painted Cats traveled far and wide in the preceding months, curling up in Santa Fe Drive galleries in April and at the Lakewood Arts Council Gallery in May. But now it's down to the kitty-gritty: On this coming Sunday, the five most popular cats will be auctioned live at the Tails of the Painted Cats gala, skedded from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Green Gables Country Club. The rest will be open for silent bidding, except for Jane McFadden Dorsey's beautiful poppy-strewn Georgia O'Kitty, which will be given away in a raffle (tix are $10 each)."

Link to the Westword website

Lakewood YourHub: 'Cat Care Society to mark 30th year at June 5 gala'

Quoting from YourHub:

"The Cat Care Society is celebrating its 30th Anniversary and commemorating the milestone June 5th at Green Gables Country Club with the auction of 17 painted fiberglass cats, each about 28" tall and painted a different theme by local artists. The 'Tails of the Painted Cats' art celebration has been in progress for more than a year to raise awareness of the Cat Care Society's 30 years of growth and work going on every day for the real cats being helped by its cageless shelter and other related projects in the community."

Link to the posting

Bell Aquaculture Breaks Ground on $5 Million Expansion

Redkey, IN - June 3, 2011 - Bell Aquaculture, a pioneer in sustainable fish farming operations, broke ground today on a $5 million expansion at its production facility in Albany, IN -- the nation's largest yellow perch (Perca flavenscens) fish farm. The announcement is made by Norman McCowan, president of Bell Aquaculture, who says, "Our team has been working diligently to bring this expansion to fruition and are thrilled the financing finally came together to help fuel Bell Aquaculture's continued growth."

Further, according to McCowan: "We are happy to partner with The Conservation Fund, Indiana Soybean Alliance, and Pranger Enterprise, Inc., to further develop Indiana aquaculture using sustainable water recycling technology. The added capacity of 3 million more fish per year is much needed to meet our growing customer demand."

Those in attendance at the ground breaking included: Ed Messer, Construction Management; Nick Zaccaria, Bell Aquaculture; Nick Pranger, Construction Management; Gabe Pranger, Construction Management; Steve Summerfelt, The Conservation Fund; Joe Hankins, The Conservation Fund; Mike Hines, Bell Aquaculture; Steve Hart, Indiana Soybean Alliance; Norman McCowan, Bell Aquaculture; Brian Baldwin, Bell Aquaculture; Ann Baldwin, Bell Aquaculture; Josh Pranger, Construction Management; Bruce Baldwin, Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance; and Mike Swinford, Briner Construction.

Link to the PR Newswire release

NCBR: 'CSU professors named Boettcher Investigators'

Quoting from the NCBR:

"Two Colorado State University assistant professors have been named 2011 Boettcher Investigators by the Boettcher Foundation.

John D. (Nick) Fisk, an assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering, and Ting Ting Yao, an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, were two of only five 2011 Boettcher Investigators named as part of the Webb-Waring Biomedical Research program."

Link to the Northern Colorado Business Report news item

CU News Center: 'CU-Boulder scientist Zhe Chen named 2011 Boettcher Investigator'

Quoting from the posting:

"DENVER – Three University of Colorado researchers have been named to the 2011 class of Boettcher Investigators in the Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Program. This is the second year for the program, which supports early career scientists in their work toward making discoveries that improve human health. CU's 2011 Boettcher Investigators are:
Zhe Chen, Ph.D., assistant research professor of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder, whose research focuses on axon guidance during neural development; Robert C. Doebele, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of medical oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, whose research focuses on resistance mechanisms in oncogene-driven lung cancer; and Jing H. Wang, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of immunology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, whose research focuses on antibody production and genomic instability in B lymphocytes."

Link to the CU News Center article

CSU News & Information: 'Colorado State University Engineer, Biochemist Named 2011 Boettcher Investigators'

Quoting from the posting:

"FORT COLLINS - The Boettcher Foundation on Wednesday named Colorado State University assistant professors John D. (Nick) Fisk and Tingting Yao two of only five 2011 Boettcher Investigators as part of the Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Program, which helps recruit, retain and advance scientific talent in Colorado.

The two are the only biomedical researchers from Colorado State University to receive the honor, which comes with a three-year, $200,000 grant. Fisk, a chemical and biological engineering professor, and Yao, a biochemistry professor, join researchers from the University of Colorado in the second class of Boettcher Investigators.

Melissa Reynolds, assistant professor of chemistry at Colorado State, received the recognition in 2010."

Link to the CSU News article

Thursday, June 2, 2011

CBSA news feed blog included on 25 Best Blogs on Biomedicine list

Thanks to William Hopper and HealthTechTopia for including this blog on its "25 Best Blogs on Biomedicine" list. Quoting from the article:

"Biomedicine is a branch of science that combines biology with health and often involves understanding how the body and science works to create resulting solutions to complex problems. This can be used on everything from using food as medicine to understanding how DNA and genetics writes on the slate of who each person is. Related practices include biotechnology, bioinformatics, genetics, and many others"

The CBSA news feed blog is #18 on the list.

Link to the "25 Best Blogs on Biomedicine"

KOA's April Zesbaugh interviews Suellen Scott about the CCS' 30th & Tails of the Painted Cats Auction Event

NewsRadio 850 KOA's April Zesbaugh interviewed Suellen Scott this morning about the CCS' 30th and the upcoming Tails of the Painted Cats gala dinner and auction on Sunday.

Thank you, April! (psst: April is the celebrity emcee for the auction event)

Link to an mp3 download of the interview

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

New Product Launch: Fish Rich Organic Fertilizer 2-3-2 - It's Fish Food For Your Plants

Bell Aquaculture, the nation's largest yellow perch (Perca flavescens) farm and pioneer in sustainable fish farming operations, has launched the new product, Fish Rich Organic Fertilizer 2-3-2 (Fish Rich), available for purchase online at the company website. The announcement is made by Norman McCowan, president of Bell Aquaculture, who says, "Fish have been used as soil fertilizer since the Native Americans first began farming our nearby land centuries ago. Our new natural plant fertilizer, Fish Rich, is made from the remains of the Bell Perch processed at our aquaculture facility in Indiana."

Fish Rich is made from toxin- and mercury-free fish, has a very mild fish odor and is good for any soil. Fish Rich contains these three major nutrients:

* Nitrogen, which promotes green leaves, and quicker growth response.
* Phosphorous, which is good for root growth, disease resistance, promoting seed and fruit growth, and for blooming and flowering.
* Potassium, which increases root growth, and offers disease and drought resistance.

Further, Fish Rich is also a good source of calcium. "Calcium is essential for all plants and their maturity. Plants need calcium for cell wall development and growth. Pathogens attack weak cell walls to invade a plant, and a stronger cell wall structure will play a big part in avoiding this potential problem," McCowan explains.

Link to the new product newswire