Lilly has a brand new seat, and it's at the table with APEC -- an organization also known as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Bart Peterson, our senior vice president of corporate affairs and communications, has been named to the APEC Business Advisory Council. It's a great opportunity for Bart and recognition of Lilly's international presence.

The announcement came earlier today from APEC and the U.S. State Department. As part of the business council -- and as the only representative of the biopharmaceutical industry -- Bart will help shape public policy in support of U.S. businesses. Bart will join current members Deborah Henretta, President for Asia at Proctor & Gamble, and Richard Lavin, Group President of Caterpillar, Inc., on the council.

"APEC is an important and unique forum in that it brings together leaders from business, government, academia, and civil service -- each with a voice in matters of great importance to the business community and other areas that affect our economy," Bart said. "The Asia Pacific region is a very important area of the world to Lilly, and I look forward to having an opportunity to advocate for public policies that promote U.S. business in general and medical innovation specifically."

The business council provides critical advice on a range of issues such as energy security and infrastructure development. The council comprises up to three members from each economy, and each member represents a wide range of business sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises. You can learn more about the council's focus at the APEC website.

Bart was a two-term mayor in Indianapolis and already had signficant business development and academic experience before joining Lilly in 2009. His appointment says a lot about Lilly's contributions to the larger debates around medical innovation and the business environment in general.You can read more about the appointment in the State Department press release.