Recognizing and welcoming the 20th Annual Eurasian/Russian - American Innovation Technology Week to Philadelphia from June 11 to June 25, 2015; and honoring The Mid-Atlantic - Eurasia Business Council for its leadership in promoting industry, growth, and business relations between the U.S. and Eurasia; and encouraging Philadelphians to participate.

WHEREAS, The 20th Eurasian/Russian American Innovation Technology Week (RANIT) will offer a series of scheduled events to promote and facilitate technological cooperation between Eurasian/Russian and American businesses in the following subject areas: biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, medical equipment, life sciences, alternative energy, nanotechnology, the chemical industry, information technology, technology in education, and entrepreneurship; and

WHEREAS, The 20th Eurasian/Russian American Innovation Technology Week (RANIT) is hosted by Mid-Atlantic - Eurasia Business Council, and will take place in Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC; New York, NY; and the Mid-Atlantic Region from June 11-25, 2015; and

WHEREAS, RANIT will kick off with a Welcoming Ceremony and Opening Sessions at Philadelphia City Hall followed by a 20th Year Anniversary Reception hosted by Comcast on June 11, 2015. Other key events in Philadelphia will include the Annual Eurasia/Russian - American Science Innovation Conference on June 11-12, and the Eurasian/Russian - American Innovation Technology, University Research & Commercialization Roundtable on June 15, and Eurasian Economic Union Sessions at the 2015 BIO International Convention on June 15-18; and

WHEREAS, RANIT is supported by The City of Philadelphia; State of Pennsylvania; State of New Jersey; State of Delaware; State of Maryland; Pennsylvania Bio; Bio New Jersey; Delaware Bio; Philadelphia U.S. Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Commercial Service; World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia; World Trade Center of Central Pennsylvania; World Trade Center Delaware; Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry; Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; University City Science Center; Global Philadelphia Association; PACT; Select Greater Philadelphia; Entrepreneurs' Forum of Greater Philadelphia; Greater Philadelphia Life Sciences Congress; Center City Proprietors Association; Ben Franklin Technology Partners; PennFuture Energy Center; Penn Center for Innovation; Wistar Institute; Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America; Innovation America, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; US-Russia Business Council; and American Chamber of Commerce in Russia; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it recognizes and welcomes the 20th Annual Eurasian/Russian - American Innovation Technology Week to Philadelphia from June 11 to June 25, 2015; and honors The Mid-Atlantic Russian/Eurasia Business Council for its leadership in promoting industry, growth, and business relations between the U.S. and Eurasia; and encourages Philadelphians to participate.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Mid-Atlantic - Eurasia Business Council as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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