Has anyone noticed that it is almost March?  Welcome to spring in the Bay Area where the Astia is in full bloom! 

I hope you have all noticed our growth, in particular on the East Coast.  The call for applications is out for Astia's Spring Program - this year in New York City.  And we are once again seeking exceptional, fundable companies to participate.  You can read more and send entrepreneurs to our site to apply: http://astia.org/events/nycprogram/

Seeds for the 2008 Conference are being planted now.  Please save the dates for this year's conference:  November 19, 20 and 21st in San Francisco.  In its 7th year, the conference continues to boast a greater than 60% funding success rate, with yet another company announcing its funding just yesterday!

And the team has seen growth as well - with the addition of a Life Science Director, Anne Ballinger Morrissey.  Anne comes to us via the coaching team from last year's conference and brings with her a depth of experience in the life sciences.

I do hope you all get out to enjoy the sun and plan to participate in our program - either as a coach, an entrepreneur, or as a sponsor.

Cheers,

• Application Deadline:  April 3
• Funding Series Program:  April 21 - April 23
• Investor Screening Interviews:  April 24
• Investor Forum with Golden Seeds:  May 22

Anne Morrissey is a seasoned entrepreneur with over fifteen years in the Life Science industry. Anne has held management roles in marketing, business development and sales. Previously she was a member of the founding team at Vivant Medical, Inc. (acquired by Tyco) where she developed the company's strategic plan. Ms. Morrissey also has experience with disposable products, implants and various surgical device products at several industry leading companies including General Surgical Innovations (Tyco), Mentor Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Anne has directed the successful turn around of core businesses, the creation of new businesses and the fundraising process.

Anne is most at home in an early stage environment, working closely with entrepreneurs, to bring products to market that address large unmet clinical needs and to help them successfully navigate the world of potential investors.

• Opportunity to align with our core values of women's leadership; giving back; transformational success; and working towards an inclusive, level playing field for women
• Prominent placement in high traffic areas of Astia's website and other marketing collateral
• High profile in our national media campaign
• Opportunity to network with and gain Corporate exposure to the Astia community and develop relationships with leading women-led companies
• Complimentary inclusion at all Astia programs
• Ability to use support of Astia (and its logo) in corporate marketing efforts.