Our chairman and chief executive officer, John Lechleiter, Ph.D., met with President Obama and other business leaders today regarding economic growth, job creation, American innovation and competiveness. Media interest on this gathering will be high over the next few days. For now, here's our company's statement on the meeting:

“It’s an honor to represent Lilly and the biopharmaceutical industry and take part in this very important dialogue today with the President and other leaders across many industries. Fostering an environment that encourages innovation is fundamental to American job growth. For instance, our industry has a long history of addressing critical medical needs through innovative research and discovery. We need policies that support and help sustain American innovation.

 “We also believe that local innovation hubs – such as the life science hub we have in Indiana -- can serve as the fuel for national prosperity. From 2001 to 2007, employment in Indiana life sciences industries grew at more than twice the national rate. The annual wage of a typical life sciences job in Indiana is more than double the average wage in the state. And the total value of Indiana life sciences exports more than doubled between 2002 and 2007. I look forward to discussing how Indiana’s success story can be used as a model for job growth.

 “Ultimately, with public policies that provide the right environment, I’m convinced America can out-innovate anyone and create a new wave of good jobs here at home.”