Frontage Growth Wins Recognition for Founder
CONTACT:
Matt Harrington
Frontage Labs, Inc.
610.724.7301
EXTON, PA – The founder of Frontage Laboratories, Inc., a global pharmaceutical contract research organization (CRO) which posted record sales last year, was named the first winner of the Realizing the American Dream award. Song Li, PhD, won the recognition as a high-achieving immigrant entrepreneur who has made a significant contribution to the Philadelphia area economy. The award is bestowed by the nonprofit Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians.
Before founding Frontage in 2001, Dr. Li worked in the pharmaceutical industry in both the US and Canada. Now serving as Frontage chairman and chief executive officer, Dr. Li grew up in rural China and was the first person in his hometown district of 100,000 to attend college.
Today, Frontage employs 160 people in the Philadelphia region and an additional 95 overseas, more than doubling its staff in three years. It has maintained robust growth throughout its decade-long history, and has been listed for five consecutive years on the “Philadelphia 100” list of fastest-growing companies.
Frontage Revenues Grew 40% During the Recession
During the recessionary years of 2008 through 2010, Frontage grew its revenues by 40%. The company does not hesitate to invest in sharpening its technical edge, says Dr. Li, having spent $20 million over the last 10 years on new equipment and facilities, laboratory automation, employee training programs and quality systems.
“We were tremendously impressed with Frontage’s achievements,” says Anne O’Callaghan, president of the Welcoming Center. “When we conceived the Realizing the American Dream award, we knew we were looking for top-notch entrepreneurs who had really made their mark on the Philadelphia region. Our selection committee reviewed a number of outstanding nominations, but Dr. Li’s story stood out even among a competitive field.”
The award will be presented at the Welcoming Center’s Solas Awards event on December 7, 2011, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel. Additional honorees include Ruth Dietz Eni of Dietz & Watson, recipient of the Atlas Award for Advancing Opportunity, and Patrick Eiding of the Philadelphia Council AFL/CIO, recipient of the Dennis Clark Solas Award.
The Welcoming Center is an economic development organization that connects immigrants, employers and communities across the Philadelphia region. Since 2003, the Center has served over 8,000 immigrants from 140 countries worldwide, and placed more than 1,100 work-authorized individuals in jobs. More information about the event can be found at www.welcomingcenter.org/solas.
About Frontage
Frontage Laboratories, Inc. is a global contract research, development and manufacturing organization, offering a full range of pharmaceutical R&D services. Frontage operates in the US and China, using one seamless GXP platform. Frontage runs three Phase 1 Clinical units, a 72-bed Phase 1 Unit in Hackensack, NJ, a 120-bed Phase 1 Unit in Zhengzhou, Henan Province China, and a-80 bed Phase 1 Unit in Changchun, Jiling Province China. Frontage has an AALAC certified preclinical animal facility in Pennsylvania, where it also maintains bioanalytical and CMC facilities. In Shanghai and Beijing, China, the company also operates bioanalytical and CMC facilities. As a rapidly expanding CRO with ten years of success providing high-quality GXP services, Frontage has established an international standard in pharmaceutical product research, development, quality and management systems.
