OPENING REMARKS
Letter From MCA Board Chair & President
Dear Community,
No one could have predicted the global events of the last year. Yet 2020 happened like whiplash, and here we are in the first part of 2021, still working from home, still homeschooling our children, still devoid of friendly touch with masks hiding our expressions. Reflecting on the past 14 years of the MCA’s existence, we now know with certainty that the MCA’s efforts to grow a talented and passionate staff and board, to have economic stability, and to know and understand our healthcare and biomedical ecosystems, all paid off this year. We are incredibly thankful for our partners who helped us get to where we are and where we are going, including our board members, donors, volunteers, community partners and staff.
The MCA has always been positively opportunistic, and the silver lining that we have found in the pandemic has most certainly been the opening of opportunities, such as grants, and the disruptions to previously impermeable processes, networks and structures, such a supply chains. MCA and BIO-EPJ were able to quickly win over $500,000 in grants and raise almost $400,000 in philanthropy to support our COVID-19 response and enhance our region’s innovation and medical device ecosystems in response to the COVID-19 needs and disruptions of 2020. Additionally, MCA and BIO-EPJ greatly enhanced their networks through their COVID-19 efforts, working with many key individuals for the first time and forging stronger relationships that will allow our organizations to grow and be more effective in the future. We will use the momentum created in 2020 to create a vibrant and robust life sciences ecosystem in El Paso, Southern New Mexico, Northern Chihuahua, Ft. Bliss and the border.
Much work lies ahead for MCA, BIO-EPJ and its partners in 2021 and beyond. And we stand ready to tackle the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities. We hope that you will join us on this journey that will make our region more competitive globally and a better place to live, work and play.
Goodbye 2020…. Welcome 2021!
Linda Troncoso, MCA Board Chair
Emma W. Schwartz, MCA President & BIO EPJ CEO
PROGRAM HIGLIGHTS
PROGRAM UPDATES
The MCA's Health Care Think Tank (HCTT) is dedicated to catalyzing improvements in access, delivery, quality, and innovation in the Paso Del Norte Region’s healthcare ecosystem. The HCTT provides knowledgeable staff, research activities, strategic planning, and implementation activities for the region’s healthcare industry.
2020 HIGHLIGHTS
COVID-19 Response
- Established a relationship with Battelle to maximize agility in creating a pandemic response plan, strategy, and score card
- Signed an MOU with the City of El Paso for Battelle’s support
- Created an informal coalition which later morphed into the United El Paso COVID-19 Task Force that developed short-term, medium-term and long-term recommendations including the COVID-19 Scorecard now available at www.epstrong.org
- Hosted weekly meetings to discuss PPE, testing, vaccination and other pandemic-related needs in the community beginning in March 2020
- Led several efforts to assist Ciudad Juárez’s response to COVID-19
- Hosted 15 El Paso-Juárez Intercambío Medico webinars on a variety of COVID-19 topics discussed bi-nationally
- Hosted weekly meetings beginning in the Fall to discuss COVID-19 bi-national issues including education and communication, vaccination, testing, PPE, migrant issues, etc.
- Completed donation drive to provide PPE to hospitals in Cd. Juarez
Networking & Events
- Co-Hosted with the Southwest Healthcare Executives Association (SHEA) the first regional healthcare leadership summit: Showcased 22 speakers and 10 sponsors and had over 150 participants attended
GOALS FOR 2021
- Collect and maintain robust data on the region’s healthcare industry
- Complete and distribute an IRB Approved El Paso Region Healthcare Satisfaction survey to over 17 outpatient clinics with multiple locations across El Paso targeting approximately 17,000 El Paso residents receiving care from their provider during the pandemic last year
- Complete a comprehensive and collaborative Regional Healthcare Strategy for the next 1-10 years
- Maximize and seize opportunities to collaborate with public, private, and government healthcare organizations in medical research
- Implement a monthly healthcare ecosystem podcast
"The MCA is the cornerstone of advancing the healthcare industry in our Region. In addition, their leadership in coordinating our community's response to the pandemic through the provision of resources benefitted both the health and economic well-being of El Pasoans." - Kristina Mena, PhD, UTH-SPH-EP/ Charles Miller, PhD, UTHealth
“In 2020, Battelle worked with MCA to support timely COVID-19 response efforts throughout the Paso del Norte Region. During this time, MCA was dedicated to pushing forward initiatives that helped the community endure the pandemic, including ensuring frontline workers and business operators had proper personal protective equipment, businesses had timely and evidence-based information to inform their reopening strategies, schools were informed of proper health and safety measures, and worked tirelessly to help support international partners get the resources they needed to treat COVID-19 patients. Their efforts positively impacted the health and wellbeing of El Paso.” - Jessica M. Ruble, MS
CLINICAL TRIALS
The MCA’s Clinical Trial Consortium (CTC) and its members are strive to catalyze the creation of a globally competitive clinical research hub for the region of El Paso, Las Cruces, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. The MCA’s CTC aims to achieve this goal through the execution of core strategic initiatives specifically designed to grow our region’s clinical trial infrastructure.
2020 HIGHLIGHTS
Program & Infrastructure Development
- Added 2 new investigator site locations in 2020
- Added 5 new CRC jobs in 2020
- El Paso Medical Research Institute selected as an investigator site for a highly competitive AstraZeneca COVID trial
- Added 1 CTC US partner: Daniel O’Connor, CEO/Owner with TrialSite News
- Expanded community-based investigator site capabilities from paper to electronic records and added phase II b (24-hour monitoring) capabilities
- Created a COVID-19 Clinical Trial Taskforce whose purpose is to drive COVID diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine trials to our region
Networking & Events
- Held 3 Clinical Trials Consortium Meetings in 2020
- Expanded global network with US sponsors, industry leaders, and vendors
GOALS FOR 2021
- Obtain grant funding to launch a Clinical Trial Academy to help 5-to-10 local outpatient clinics become study ready and provide clinical research as a care option to patients by 2022
- Host a ½ day Clinical Trial Symposium
- Continue to grow our relationship network with sponsors
- Continue to drive trial pipeline opportunities to our region’s investigator sites
- Grow awareness of our region’s CTC and corresponding CTC initiatives
- Facilitate awareness and interest from our region’s academic institutions, CTSA Hubs based in Texas and New Mexico, and the Texas Regional CTSA Consortium
- Work collaboratively with other institutions and consortiums to submit joint proposals in grant funding opportunities
“MCA has created a dynamic, region-wide collaborative, inclusive environment to develop the clinical research sector in El Paso--and the results are apparent, noticeable and momentum building for region-wide impact.” - Daniel O’Connor, CEO TrialSite News
CULTIVATING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND A CULTURE OF INNOVATION
The MCA Innovation Center is a hub for entrepreneurs and innovators, providing resources, education, critical connections, and collaborative workspaces to launch and grow technology-based ventures.
2020 HIGHLIGHTS
COVID-19 Response
- Supported companies working in the following COVID response areas: Sterilization for reuse of masks using UV light; sterilization for reuse of masks using autoclaves; calibration of contactless temperature measurement devices; COVID-19 – Pandemic Detection Device; ventilator innovation
- Supported the fabrication and distribution of face shields, masks, ear savers and other PPE produced by local makers and partners for clinics and hospitals in El Paso and Cd. Juárez
Program Development
- Delivered Startup Labs program to 15 innovators: included six 4-hour sessions
- Supported 3 company SBIR/STTR applications
- Worked with fifty-two (52) entrepreneurs and innovators: representing thirty (30) startups, raised over $1.8M in capital, over $340K in sales
- Launched Nurse to Innovator project to engage nurses with makers for tech enabled healthcare solutions
- Opened the CoWork Café at the Cardwell Collaborative under COVID protocols
- Developed Borderplex Innovation Ecosystem Map and “published” in conjunction with UTEP’s Mike Loya Center for Innovation and Commerce
- Hosted two-day Seed Fund Strategic Planning Workshop: 41 participants representing the regional innovation ecosystem, investment experts, fund managers and MCA staff
- Staff certification in Helping Potential SBIR/STTR Applicants and Helping First Time SBIR/STTR Awardees
GOALS FOR 2021
- Grow the innovation ecosystem through continued support of communities of innovators
- Continue current, and launch additional, training & knowledge generation activities relevant to tech startups
- Expand access to the crucial resources & connections necessary for startup success
- Expand Resource Network
- Strengthen connections among innovation ecosystem stakeholders (startups, providers, research institutions, etc.)
- Increase public education & networking opportunities
- Launch El Paso Seed Fund
- Grow regional inter-institutional research and translational research through the Regional Poster Session and Researcher Spotlight series
“I began my start up company with the assistance of MCA. MCA has been instrumental in my success by having key resources available and providing wonderful staff guidance and support. I received business classes, dry lab space, local contact resources and most important, access to their 3D printer. I have been able to take two products from Proof of Concept to manufacturing. I have also applied for two design patents during my stay at MCA and have been recognized nationally for the work I have done at MCA. El Paso is truly blessed with this Innovation Center and I foresee continued growth and progress. Any company that joins the MCA will have an initial advantage with whatever project they are working on.” - Ernesto Holguin, OTEN Medical
“Having access to a laboratory and office has been instrumental for Atlas, as it has allowed us to test multiple sensor configurations on laboratory-made and real water. We are planning our first beta test on the softeners at the Cardwell building and expect that lessons learned will help Atlas with investor presentations in the fall.” - Malyanda Capelle, Atlas Sensor Tech
BIO EL PASO-JUAREZ
CROSS BORDER COLLABORATION
(SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION)
BIO El Paso-Juarez drives innovation, collaboration, growth and resilience in the region’s medical device sector by bringing together medical, industrial, academic, governmental, and entrepreneurial leadership.
2020 HIGHLIGHTS
COVID-19 Response
In light of the pandemic, BIO-EPJ emerged as a major player in the efforts to keep medical device and supply manufacturers operation in Mexico, kept PPE flowing to our region and the rest of the globe, and prepared the El Paso-based manufacturing and supply industry to pivot to medical device and supply manufacturing.
- Established the COVID-19 Response Task Force to bring together medical device manufacturing stakeholders
- Conducted Impact Survey to measure the impact of COVID-19 on manufacturers and supply chains, which was used to formulate support measures
- Supported PPE development by connecting networks and sharing sources with partners
- Supported policy and industry representation amid shutdowns
- Created a “marketplace” for PPE in El Paso and Juarez by:
- Vetting vendors for pricing, minimum quantity requirements, ability to fulfill orders, potential fraud, lead times, etc.
- Sending out hundreds of order forms for PPE to local businesses, and aggregating the orders when possible to achieve best pricing and lead times
- Partnering with the BBB to provide a weekly updated list of PPE vendors & products to post on their www.ElPasoBusinessStrong.org website
- Supporting the City of El Paso’s Local PPE Supplier Webinar
GOALS FOR 2021
Talent Development
- Develop training programs for technical and soft skills needed in the Medical Device Manufacturing Industry
- Partner with local university systems to align industry needs with curricula
- Collect data from manufactures about the perception of regional talent, and develop a corresponding action plan
- Boost student interest in biomedical and medical device engineering
Supply Chain
- Lead a Supply Chain Mapping Project and create a Supplier Database for Medical Devices
- Conduct a Regional Sterilization Needs Assessment and work to address needs
- Enhance regional corporate engagement
- Grow partnerships with other regional associations to define roles and align goals that will result in stronger growth for the MD industry
Innovation
- Develop programs that spur innovation that will lead to more MD manufacturing
"MCA has been a good platform for Filament 3D Printing. Since we joined officially with you last year, we have been able to increase our network, and we have learned new stuff that we have applied in our company. Furthermore, the ISO training program that was established during the second semester of 2020 was something that helped us tremendously and that for sure will help us on our goal of getting the ISO certification." - Yair Rios
"The approach of BIO EPJ to strengthen the region's competitiveness and spread of knowledge has helped TAMUSE SYSTEMS to network with other companies in the 3-state region NM, TX and Mex to create economic growth, business relationships and develop innovation as a unified frontier. Congratulations and thank you for all the great work done at BIO EPJ." - Luis Alberto Rojas, TAMUSE Systems
“Over the past 18 months we have seen a tremendous evolution on the interactions/communications we have as Medical Industry in the Region; BIO ELP has created a true link between the large Manufacturers of Medical Products and the local Supply based, enabling the identification of New opportunities not observed before. In 2020, Covid-19 brought very specific challenges to all our Community and Industry, BIO ELP created a great connection between all Medical Industry and Government on both sides of the border to identify needs, opportunities and drove major collaboration to accelerate our readiness to protect our Associates and enable the continuity of our Industry.” - Edgardo Gonzalez, Plant Manager, Integer
The MCA’s Workforce Initiative aims to increase awareness of the emerging healthcare and high-tech biomedical industries in the region. The MCA does so by participating in community outreach events, hosting STEM camps, tours and open houses for the community, as well as running an internship program.
2020 HIGHLIGHTS
- Created more online and social media resources containing free articles, videos, local news, and STEM resources for parents, students, and teachers
- Developed a STEM Innovation Lab Workbook containing DIY experiments, career and workforce data, for teachers, students, and parents alike – in lieu of in-person STEM camps during the pandemic
- Remodeled and enhanced the STEM Innovation Lab at the Cardwell Collaborative, adding tables, chairs, posters and equipment including laptops and virtual reality sets for future student visits
- Hosted Interns/Hiring Our Heroes Fellows: May-July: George Elsaesser, Sergeant Major (Retired), June-August: Pierce Davis, Junior at Stanford University, September-November: Dr. Kerri Wood, Chief Warrant Officer (Retired)
- Hosted 5 in-person STEM camps prior to the pandemic: hosted over 115 students from SISD and Canutillo ISD
GOALS FOR 2021
- Distribute STEM Innovation Workbook widely across region
- Translate STEM Innovation Workbook to Spanish for distribution in Ciudad Juárez
- Plan, coordinate, and execute Virtual STEM Camps for 2021
- Expand outreach to other Counties in the region
“I thank the MCA for the opportunities given to my Biotechnology students back in 2013. They participated in the BIOMED ( MCA Biomedical Research Symposium) with a scientific poster. Since then, the students have been participating with their scientific poster presentations. Also, MCA has opened the doors to my Biotechnology students to tours and lectures in MCA installations. Their friendly staff has given presentations either in person or online to my classes, along with support to have workshops in their wet labs. I hope to continue with their collaboration in the future.” - Guadalupe Tapia, Silva HS
MCA CAMPUS PLANNING & LAND ACQUISITION
The MCA is developing a world class biomedical campus in the heart of El Paso, Texas. The MCA Campus will foster and accelerate biomedical and health care innovation, creating new employment opportunities and meeting the health care needs of the Paso del Norte region’s citizens. Campus planning is the process of bringing to together campus tenants, government agencies, utility companies and others to create a long-term campus land use plan that ensures connectivity, safety, efficiency, resiliency, beauty, and respect for neighbor institution needs while attracting more tenants essential for growth, economic development and fulfillment of the healthcare needs of our region.
2020 HIGHLIGHTS
- Began PDN Trail development coordination within MCA campus
- Started onboarding new lab tenants at the Cardwell Collaborative
- Retained Perkins + Will to create a site plan for newly acquired 4 acres of MCA-owned property adjacent to the Cardwell Collaborative
- Developed a preliminary program for the next MCA building, including tentative anchor tenants
GOALS FOR 2021
- Apply for federal, state, and local grants that support infrastructure projects and campus enhancements
- Complete U.S. National Park Service Trail planning for MCA Campus
- Complete planning for next MCA campus building
- Develop an MCA Campus-Wide Safety Committee
- Continue acquiring land on the MCA Campus
“The National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program has been working closely with the MCA Foundation for more than over a year in community outreach and civic engagement strategies for the Paso del Norte Trail - MCA section. Although Covid-19 has made things challenging, working closely with the MCA partners, especially with Nahum Apodaca, has been a great experience. Nahum has been a great leader in moving proposed strategies forward and engaging key partners in the planning process. His dedication and positivity have reflected on the outcomes" - Maria F Trevino
"The level of knowledge, talent, and passion demonstrated by MCA staff is impressive. Regardless of the type of project I'm working on (economic development, planning, infrastructure), I can always count on the MCA Foundation and staff to help move it forward." - Alfredo Borrego
THE CARDWELL COLLABORATIVE & THE VA WELLNESS CLINIC
The MCA's real estate subsidiaries direct, manage and coordinate internal operational activities of the Cardwell Collaborative, the Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic and various undeveloped properties. The MCA's developments bring state-of-the art facilities to the MCA camps to fulfill the needs of its tenants and to bring unique spaces critical to the growth of the industry, such as wet- and dry-laboratory space and incubator space.
2020 HIGHLIGHTS
- Inaugurated the new VA Wellness Clinics
- Completed the newly built VA clinic at 350 Revere St.
- Generated and successfully launched COVID-19 Safe Work Environment Guidelines
- Fully integrated the Property Management function by hiring internal building management technical support
- Increased Cardwell Collaborative lab occupancy on the 3rd floor to 94%
- Achieved overall cost reduction of 5% to the O&M budget
GOALS FOR 2021
- Continue the deployment of cost reduction initiatives for the O&M budget with a goal of reducing the overall budget by 5%
- Continue the excellent customer satisfaction report from the VA management team
- Continue to provide a safe work environment when the Cardwell Collaborative fully re-opens post COVID-19
- Continue developing the Property Management function by growing organically and structurally supported by policies and procedures
- Achieve 100% occupancy on laboratory space
- Achieve overall 95%+ building occupancy
- Continue delivering a strong Environment Health & Safety Program at the Cardwell Collaborative
“MCA is a close partner in ensuring that our facility requirements are met, allowing our team members to focus on providing great clinical services to our Veterans. MCA proactively solicits feedback on any building issues, is consistently responsive to addressing identified issues, and maintains regular contact with our staff. MCA provides comprehensive services such as maintaining a neat building exterior, servicing mechanical systems, and adjusting the heat or cooling. MCA’s personalized responsiveness ensures a safe, clean, stable and comfortable environment for our Veterans to visit and receive treatment. We are grateful for the partnership as we continue to work together in providing the best medical care to Veterans in the El Paso area.” - Rebecca Alvarado, Clinic VA Administration
Non-Pledged Donors & Funders
- Alan Abbott
- EP Marcus Investments
- Jose Prats
- Larry Wollschlager
- Rodolfo Mata (Mata, Blanco, Ordoñez, Mata & Wechsler, PC)
- MIMCO
- TRE & Associates
- Guy & Cindy Fields
- Beverly Rebe
- Dr. Ryan and Maggie Casey
- Susan Schwartz
- Paso Del Norte Foundation
- ONE Gas Foundation
- Transtelco Inc.
- WestStar Bank
- El Paso Electric
- Paul Foster Family Foundation
- El Paso Water
- Amazon Smiles
Pledged Donors & Funders
- Hunt Family Foundation
Contributing Grant Institutions
- City of El Paso
- Moleen Foundation
- The Workers Lab
- Microsoft Benevity
- Workforce Solutions Borderplex
- U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020
Credits:
The MCA Foundation