In 2012, Bio-Link organized a summit in St. Louis, MO, to discuss the role of community colleges in stimulating economic development and providing students with workforce experience.  Representatives from several Bio-Link programs; InnovaBIO (Salt Lake Community College), St. Louis Community College Florrissant Valley, Pasadena City College, and the Florida State College at Jacksonville; discussed their models for providing student work experiences and their methods for supporting local industry. This year's summit will include discussion topics like balancing industry requirements with educational needs, intellectual property, and sustainability.