Biomat USA helps treat rare, chronic conditions through plasma donation (July 2020)

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NORTH METRO

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2020

BUSINESS JOURNAL

Biomat USA helps treat rare, chronic conditions through plasma donation

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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2020

conwayarkansas.org

Biomat USA helps treat rare, chronic conditions through plasma donation Plasma donor center seeks donors, including those recovered from COVID-19 As COVID-19 cases rise in Arkansas and across the country, plasma

If a person is lacking a particular component of plasma – whether

donation has gotten increased attention as a method to treat patients

it’s a protein, an antibody, or a combination of these – Grifols isolates

with the disease. Biomat USA – formerly known as Biotest Plasma

those components from the plasma collected from healthy plasma

Center – has collected plasma at its Conway location on 2235 Dave

donors. These products may treat people with Alpha-1, which is

Ward Drive since March 2015. Grifols, the parent company of Biomat

a genetic form of COPD; people with deficiencies in their immune

USA, is leading the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

systems; people with GBS/CIDP, which can look like acute paralysis;

With more than 150 plasma donor centers across the nation, including the 16,000-square-foot collection facility in Conway,

and other conditions.

For many patients, the treatment with plasma medicines is their only

Grifols has begun identifying, screening, and selecting volunteer

treatment option. Sara Balsam, corporate affairs representative at

donors who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate their plasma.

Grifols, said it takes anywhere from 130 to 1,300 donations to treat one

The company then uses the plasma to produce a hyperimmune globulin

patient just for one year. The good news is that plasma can be collected

that could potentially treat the disease.

more frequently than whole blood.

Although COVID-19 has put plasma donation in the spotlight, there

“Because our bodies replenish plasma quickly, donors can give plasma

are many conditions that plasma-derived medicines help treat. Plasma

more frequently than those giving whole blood – up to two times in a

is the clear, liquid portion of blood containing proteins and antibodies.

seven-day period, with at least day in between,” Balsam said.

Grifols extracts these proteins and antibodies to manufacture into lifesaving medicines that treat rare and chronic conditions.

The process to donate plasma differs a bit from whole blood donation. A specialized medical device separates the donor’s plasma from their blood through a safe, sterile, automated process called plasmapheresis. During this process, a venipuncture is performed on the donor’s arm and whole blood is drawn, which is then separated into plasma and red blood cells. The red blood cells are returned to the donor through the same site in their arm.

Because it takes more time and requires a commitment from the plasma donors, Biomat USA and other plasma donation centers offer donor fees as a small thank-you.

conwayarkansas.org

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2020

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To donate plasma, a donor must weigh more than 110 pounds and be between the ages of 18 and 69. Donors also must have a valid proof of identification, a social security number, and a valid, permanent address. All donors are held to strict safety and quality standards that are established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, European health authorities, and a series of industry standards. These include the testing of every single donation.

“We take the selection of our donors very seriously because we want to make sure that the donor is healthy to donate and that the donor’s plasma is safe to be made into our medicines,” Balsam said.

Balsam added that only plasma from repeat donors is used to make Grifols’ medicines.

“We want donors to go through the entire screening and donation

Biomat USA Plasma Center located at 2235 Dave Ward Drive.

process at least twice before their plasma can be used. This is an extra safety step we take that also shows us that the individual is committed

Balsam said there are many reasons one may consider donating plasma.

to being a regular plasma donor.”

“For some, it’s because plasma donation is one of the easiest ways

At every single donation, donors must complete a comprehensive

to give back,” Balsam said. “Others like having an hour to themselves

health history questionnaire and have their vital signs checked. First-

to relax. Some people like to earn a little bit of money on the side while

time donors also receive a physical examination by one of Biomat

knowing they are helping to save a life. You only need one reason to donate

USA’s trained medical staff. The physical exam ensures that plasma

plasma.”

donation is safe – both for the plasma donor and for the patient who receives the plasma-derived medicine.

The COVID-19 pandemic provides another reason to donate plasma.

Those who have recovered from COVID-19 and want to donate plasma must have a diagnosis made with a test (nasal swab or blood) and complete

“It takes anywhere from 130 to 1,300 donations to treat one patient just for one year. The good news is that plasma can be collected more frequently than whole blood.”

- Sara Balasm, Corporate affairs representative Grifols

resolution of COVID-19 symptoms at least 28 days prior to donation, or they must have complete resolution of symptoms at least 14 days prior to donation along with a negative molecular test for COVID-19. Interested recovered donors must also meet Biomat USA’s routine eligibility criteria for normal source plasma donation.

All potential donors must be prescreened. Those interested should visit www.grifolsplasma.com to find out more about the locations and protocols in place prior to visiting Biomat USA. n

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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2020

conwayarkansas.org

Online training to focus on racial bias, compassionate leadership The first step in eliminating bias is recognizing that these biases

and nonprofit organizations across multiple industries in Europe,

exist. An online program hosted by the Conway Area Chamber of

North and South America, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Commerce and underwritten by Arkansas Business, the University

Her clients include global brands such as Google, Carnival, Cisco,

of Central Arkansas, and Andy’s Frozen Custard aims to do just that.

EnPro Industries, and Enterprise.

“Leading in Crisis: A Courageous Conversation During

“This is highest quality training that is normally beyond the

Challenging Times” will take place online on Thursday,

budgets of most small businesses,” said Jamie Gates, executive

July 30, at 9 a.m. Central Daylight Time. Presented by Potential

vice president at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.

Project – a company that provides customized, organizational

“Our underwriters – Arkansas Business, the University of Central

effectiveness programs based on mindfulness – the 90-minute,

Arkansas, and Andy’s Frozen Custard – are making it free to

interactive conversation will teach participants how they can

anyone who registers. Your only requirement is pre-registration,

learn “compassionate leadership” regarding race, recognize their

90 minutes of time, and a willingness to listen and learn.” n

own biases, and grow their capacity for managing stressful times.

Participants will also get access to valuable assessments regarding their current levels of distractedness and compassion.

Sky Jarrett, executive trainer for Potential Project, will facilitate the conversation. Jarrett is a transformational leadership coach, mindfulness instructor, and pioneer of 21st Century leadership. She serves senior executives and emerging leaders in private, public,

“This is the highest quality training that is normally beyond the budgets of most small businesses. Our underwriters—Arkansas Business, the University of Central Arkansas and Andy’s Frozen Custard—are making it free to anyone who registers.”

- Jamie Gates, executive vice president Conway Area Chamber of Commerce

Register for this free event at https://bit.ly/leading-in-crisis1.

Facilitator: Sky Jarrett, Executive Trainer, Potential Project

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JULY 2020

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

Back-to-school event for Conway educators takes a different format in 2020 Each August, dozens of businesses set up booths to welcome Conway’s teachers back to school. The 2020 event will look different because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the purpose will remain the same – honoring Conway’s teachers and giving businesses the opportunity to reach a captive audience.

In lieu of an in-person event, the Teacher Breakfast & Education Fair, organized by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Conway Corp and Kimberly-Clark, will honor teachers with a back-to-school appreciation bag filled with items from participating businesses. Educators from Conway Christian School, St. Joseph School, and Conway Public Schools will receive a bag.

Participating businesses are encouraged to include small promotional items, coupons, or special offers in 1,300 bags.

These bags will be assembled and delivered to schools the week of August 17. The cost to participate is $300.

Participating businesses are also welcome to provide giveaways or “door prizes” via social media. Educators will be encouraged to use the hashtag #BackToSchoolConway when showing off great items in their bags and to interact with participating businesses. In return, participating businesses can search the hashtag to award giveaways to educators.

Registration and promotional items are due to the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce by Friday, July 31. Participating businesses that do not provide an item for the bags will be listed in an event program and are encouraged to network with educators using the official hashtag.

In addition to presenting sponsors Conway Corp and KimberlyClark, sponsors of the teacher appreciation bags include Centennial Bank, Sam’s Club, Chick-Fil-A of Conway, Klaasmeyer Construction, Delta Dental of Arkansas, Virco Manufacturing, First Arkansas Bank and Trust, Bledsoe Chiropractic, and Crafton Tull.

For more information or to register, email Mary Margaret Satterfield at mary@conwayarkansas.org or visit ConwayChamber.org. n

conwayarkansas.org

Civil Service Commission accepting nominations The Conway Civil Service Commission is accepting nominations for multiple positions on the Conway Civil Service Commission. The Conway City Council established a civil service commission for the police and fire departments, pursuant and according to Arkansas Code A.C.A §14-51-102.

The new commissioners will each serve multi-year terms. All terms will start Sept. 1, 2020, unless otherwise stated.

The Civil Service Commission plays a role in hiring, discipline, and termination of Conway’s uniform employees (fire and police).

Neither the Civil Service Commission nor any of the individual commissioners have any control over the normal and routine day-to-day operations of the police and fire departments, directly or indirectly (A.C.A §14-51-212).

Commissioners will be required to complete the Conway Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy and Conway Fire Department’s Fire Academy during the first 18 months of their term.

The Commission typically meets at the Conway Municipal Building at 1:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month unless scheduled otherwise. When necessary, multiple meetings may be scheduled during a month.

Nominations for all boards must be in writing on the nomination form available at conwayarkansas.gov. Nominations will be accepted from the individual interested in serving or from another person wishing to nominate the individual.

Those nominated must meet and maintain the qualifications of civil service commissioners enumerated in A.C.A §14-51-202: 1. Citizens of the State of Arkansas and residents of the City of Conway for more than three years; 2. Qualified electors of the city at all times during their appointments; 3. Shall not hold or be a candidate for any political office or be connected in any official capacity with any political party or political organization.

Anyone who is interested in being a part of the Conway Civil Service Commission may submit the nomination by email to Felicia.Rogers@conwayarkansas.gov or CityClerk@conwayarkansas.gov or at the drop box located at the Conway Municipal Building (1111 Main Street).

The deadline to submit a nomination is August 10, 2020. n

North Metro Economy at a Glance Population US ..........................328,239,523 Arkansas ....................3,017,804 Conway............................67,638 Cleburne County ..............24,919 Conway County ...............20,846 Faulkner County ............126,007 Perry County ....................10,455 Van Buren County ............16,545 Civilian Labor Force April-2020 Seasonally Adjusted US ..........................156,481,000 Arkansas ....................1,309,681 Not Seasonally Adjusted US ..........................155,830,000 Arkansas.....................1,309,020 Conway............................32,989 Cleburne County.................9,273 Conway County..................8,052 Faulkner County...............59,805 Perry County......................4,006 Van Buren County ..............5,560 Unemployment Rate April-2020 Seasonally Adjusted US ................................... 14.7% Arkansas ......................... 10.8% Not Seasonally Adjusted US.................................... 14.4% Arkansas.......................... 10.3% Conway............................ 11.7% Cleburne County............... 15.9% Conway County................ 11.2% Faulkner County............... 10.8% Perry County...................... 9.8% Van Buren County............. 11.6%

Bank Deposits June Conway 2019.................... $1,835,390,000 2018.................... $1,829,012,000 Percent Change .................0.35%

Conway County 2020.............................$436,203 2019.............................$414,371 Percent Change ............... 5.27% Tax Rate ........................... 1.75%

Faulkner County Cleburne County 2020.............................$717,365 2019....................... $556,697,000 2019.............................$771,545 2018....................... $554,248,000 Percent Change...............-7.02% Percent Change .................0.44% Tax Rate ........................... 0.50% Conway County Perry County 2019....................... $364,163,000 2020.............................$112,971 2018....................... $358,473,000 2019.............................$111,138 Percent Change .................1.59% Percent Change................ 1.65% Tax Rate ........................... 2.50% Faulkner County

2019.................... $2,228,144,000 Van Buren County 2018.................... $2,193,879,000 Percent Change .................1.56% 2020.............................$312,451 2019.............................$320,307 Perry County Percent Change...............-2.45% 2019......................... $65,345,000 Tax Rate ........................... 2.00% 2018......................... $72,986,000 Percent Change ............. -10.47% Restaurant Sales* Van Buren County Year to Date (June) 2019....................... $278,929,000 Conway 2018....................... $276,171,000 Percent Change .................1.00% 2020........................$90,630,665 2019......................$101,053,765 Sales & Use Tax Collections Percent Change.............-10.31% *Includes mixed drink sales June Conway 2020...........................$2,271,176 2019...........................$2,576,546 Percent Change..............-11.85% Tax Rate .......................... 2.125% Cleburne County 2020.............................$460,120 2019.............................$460,608 Percent Change...............-0.11% Tax Rate ......................... 1.625%

Hotel Sales Year to Date (June) Conway 2020..........................$5,703,658 2019..........................$8,241,429 Percent Change ............-30.79%

Residential Building Permits Year to Date (June) Conway 2020......................................108 2019......................................157 Percent Change.............-31.21%

Values of Residential Units Sold** Year to Date (June) Conway 2020........................$65,267,842 2019........................$72,245,688 Percent Change...............-9.66%

Year to Date (June) Residential Units Sold** Cleburne County (New and Existing) 2020....................... $47,173,844 Year to Date (June) 2019....................... $35,184,358 Conway 2020......................................413 Percent Change..............34.08% 2019......................................367 Conway County Percent Change ............. 12.53% 2020........................$10,583,009 2019........................$10,180,450 Year to Date (June) Percent Change................ 3.95% Cleburne County Faulkner County 2020......................................158 2020. . ....................$169,339,265 2019......................................177 Percent Change.............-10.73% 2019......................$142,742,291 Percent Change.............. 18.63% Conway County Perry County 2020......................................234 2019......................................204 2020..........................$4,419,573 Percent Change.............. 14.71% 2019..........................$3,092,133 Percent Change.............. 42.93% Faulkner County Van Buren County 2020......................................860 2019......................................768 2020........................$14,452,500 Percent Change.............. 11.98% 2019........................$13,291,955 Percent Change................ 8.73% Perry County Average Price of 2020........................................34 Residential Units Sold** 2019........................................28 (New and Existing) Percent Change.............. 21.43% Year to Date (June) Conway Van Buren County 2020........................................93 2020..............................$158,034 2019......................................120 2019..............................$197,393 Percent Change.............-22.50% Percent Change.............. -19.94% **Includes sales of residential units

Year to Date (June) Cleburne County 2020.............................$201,598 2019.............................$172,472 Percent Change.............. 16.89% Conway County 2020.............................$121,644 2019.............................$118,377 Percent Change................ 2.76% Faulkner County 2020.............................$196,906 2019.............................$185,862 Percent Change................ 5.94% Perry County 2020.............................$129,987 2019.............................$110,766 Percent Change.............. 17.35% Van Buren County 2020.............................$155,403 2019.............................$110,766 Percent Change.............. 40.30%

Proud sponsor of Pulse of Conway Sources: 2014-2018 ACS 5-Year Data Profiles, Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, C2ER, Sperling’s Best Places, Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Cooperative Arkansas Realtors’ Multiple Listing Services, Arkansas Realtors Association, and City of Conway.

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