RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 22, 2002 - Dr. Charles E. Hamner, retiring president and CEO of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, was presented today with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award for his service to the Center and the state.
The Biotechnology Center also announced it is renaming its Conference and Education Facility the Charles Hamner Conference Center, effective immediately.
The honors were given at a reception attended by about 200 of the state's top leaders in government, academia and industry.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award is the State of North Carolina's highest honor presented to an individual for dedication and extended length of service to his or her organization. Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue presented the award to Hamner on behalf of Gov. Mike Easley.
Hamner, who will turn 67 on March 26, will retire March 31 after more than 14 years at the Center. A national search for his replacement is under way.
The Biotechnology Center is a private, non-profit corporation established and funded by the state's General Assembly. Its mission is to provide long-term economic benefit to North Carolina through support of biotechnology research, development and commercialization statewide.
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Contact: Barry Teater, director of corporate communications, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, 919-549-8814.
