Home / Newsletters / Biocom California Purchasing Group Newsletter | August 2023
Biocom California Purchasing Group Newsletter | August 2023
Explore MMA’s Rich Employee Benefits; Address Cybersecurity with centrexIT and SHARP; Imagine a Plastic-Free Future with Thermo Fisher Scientific; Register for Oktoberfest; Upcoming Events; and more.
Whether you’re new to Biocom California or we’ve had the privilege of working with you for years, we want to remind you of some of the key ways to maximize the strategic sourcing solutions available to you as members. See below to learn more about our endorsed suppliers and their exclusive savings programs, upcoming events and timely updates.
Unparalleled Health Offerings for the Life Science Industry
Enrollment season is approaching, and Biocom California is proud to highlight two unique providers available only within our ecosystem: Beyond Benefits and FUSE Life Science. Both are tailored to suit the specific needs of the life science industry; providing rich employee benefits and many value-add services as a platinum-level program with Anthem. If you are still evaluating your options for next year’s health insurance benefits, reach out and we can help connect you with a Marsh McLennan Agency representative.
Statewide Summer Showcase Enables Business for Our Members
Last month, Biocom California was thrilled to welcome our highest-ever turnout of members, suppliers, and life science professionals from across the state to our Open House & Supplier Showcase event series. Attendees were able to network amongst our expansive California life science community while learning to lower their operational costs through best-in-class supplier programs. View the event photos here. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Weekday Perks at The Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Loyalty pays at The Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines through exclusive perks available to companies that book 75+ room nights with weekday arrival and achieve minimum food and beverage spend. Whether it be complimentary meeting room rental and set up, an hour-long hosted beverage reception, or 50% discount on overnight self-parking, there are many ways to save. Book by December 31 to qualify and learn more here.
Cybersecurity & Risk Prevention
Address Your Company’s Microsoft 365 Security Risks
Microsoft 365 is a common and reliable office solution—but it is not without its risks. centrexIT can help companies assess, harden and manage the built-in security features of Microsoft 365. Most suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, the process starts with centrexIT’s M365 security assessment, which will identify risks and vulnerabilities. They then provide the insight needed to mitigate these threats and fully secure your most sensitive information. Work with them for a one-time project or bring them on to manage your M365 security around the clock and know that your cloud is fully secured from attacks. Explore their M365 solutions here.
The Importance of Printer Security Plans
An effective IT security plan is essential, but few realize that multifunction printers (MFPs) require specific attention and pose specific challenges. Firewalls alone are inadequate to ensure MFP security, leaving organizations at risk. SHARP Business Systems has partnered with The International Data Corporation (IDC) to identify the top rationale behind needing a copier security plan—and how to take steps to protect your company’s data. Whether your employees are using paper resources in the office or working virtually from anywhere in the world, the security of an organization is only as strong as its most vulnerable network endpoint. Learn more on the 5 reasons you need a copier security plan.
Environment & Sustainability
The Future of Magnetic Beads is Plastic-Free The conversation around plastic has changed significantly in the last few decades. Sustainable labs around the world are seeking more ways to reduce energy consumption and waste created by laboratories while maintaining the quality and output required for their research. To address this, a new generation of scientists at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Norway is tackling the challenge of skipping the plastic altogether through solutions such Invitrogen™ DynaGreen™ magnetic beads. DynaGreen launched at the start of 2023 with several immunoprecipitation options but is poised to expand to many more applications over the next few years—promising researchers a more affordable and eco-conscious tool at the bench. Read more about Thermo Fisher Scientific’s eco-friendly efforts and the science behind this innovative technology.
Veolia Announces a New State-of-the-Art Incinerator Facility Veolia North America is bringing new life to an old facility in Gum Springs, Arkansas by replacing their 50-year-old incinerator units with state-of-the art thermal technology. In line with Veolia’s worldwide goal to establish safe, sustainable handling of hazardous waste materials, the plant will be equipped to capture its own waste thermal heat for the generation of electricity to meet internal power needs. With the eventual addition of onsite solar panels, the facility will be 100% self-reliant in electrical power. Moreover, the plant will be zero-discharge with the ability to treat and reuse all water and wastewater. Slated to process approximately 100,000 tons of hazardous waste materials per year, this new facility will be a vital part of Veolia North America’s work safely managing the life science industry’s hazardous waste. Learn more.
Save Water and Money with the Right Technology
Did you know that 250 gallons of water can leak from a 1/8-inch pipe crack in just one day? StreamLabs, Inc. a Chubb subsidiary, offers a wide range of water leak management solutions including Internet of Things (IoT) water sensors. Their technology is specifically designed to reduce or eliminate the damage a water leak can cause, saving companies both money and effort. By installing an IoT water sensor solution, life science companies can protect their important work from harm or delay, prevent losses, and positively contribute to corporate ESG water waste management goals. To learn more about the average cost of common water damage—and the comparative pricing for IoT sensors—read their full brochure.
If you are interested in learning about how our suppliers can support your company’s sustainability efforts, discussing your organization’s sustainability goals, or providing feedback that will help shape our supplier sustainability programs, please explore our Sustainability Resource Hub.
Upcoming Events & Webinars
September 7 | Fisher Scientific Happy Hour | Los Angeles
Biocom California and Fisher Scientific invite you to a happy hour in Pasadena to network with fellow life science enthusiasts in the greater Los Angeles area. This event aims to help build and foster the community and promote idea sharing to accelerate growth in the region. Register here.
October 5 | Life Science Oktoberfest | San Diego
Biocom California invites you to an interactive experience full of networking opportunities, delicious food, and complimentary tastings from San Diego’s finest craft breweries at our annual Life Science Oktoberfest. This German-inspired event is a great opportunity to connect with our service provider members and discover how they can help accelerate your science. Register Here.
Biocom California is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. Our San Diego office aims to build the networks that are critical to growth in this thriving regional ecosystem. Our targeted programs and customized services are tailored to the specific needs of the greater San Diego region. We work on behalf of more than 1,700 members to drive public policy, build an enviable network of industry leaders, create access to capital, introduce cutting-edge STEM education programs, and create robust value-driven purchasing programs.