Grainnet

Date Posted: October 30, 2007

After a successful financial restructuring in 2005, EPL Bio Analytical Services (BAS), an agricultural chemistry lab, located in Harristown, IL has experienced dramatic growth. EPL BAS is now expanding its presence in the agricultural chemistry industry, by launching its first product line.

EPL BAS is pleased to announce its entry into the analytical standards market with two protein standards: Glycinin and Beta-Conglycinin. After making the decision to launch the two soy proteins, EPL BAS, Chief Executive Officer, Robin King was left only with one question. How would they choose to facilitate the sale of the protein standards?

This question was answered by Millikin University Tabor School of Business professor, Sharon Alpi. Professor Alpi recommended using Millikin’s senior level intern program. The student Professor Alpi and Robin King chose was a unique senior: Courtney Goodwin, a Millikin Student with a unique background in both chemistry and business. Professor Alpi was right and EPL BAS hired Courtney Goodwin as their first intern in four years.

Courtney Goodwin a is working to complete his senior year at Millikin University. Courtney is originally from Maryland Heights, Mo a small suburb located in North St. Louis, County. Courtney is getting his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Business emphasis. This unique combination of science and business has helped Courtney market and sell the soy protein product line.

Courtney stated, “My knowledge of both chemistry and business has helped me tremendously while I was trying to develop a sales strategy for our two new proteins. It was really helpful to be able to communicate with other scientist about the technical aspects of proteins, things like: denaturation, thermostability, and immunoreactivity. Most scientists hate dealing with salesmen, and will not give you the time of day if you can not communicate more than superficial product details. If you are clueless about in-depth information about the product it is a definite disadvantage.”

“On the other hand, having a business background helped me communicate with purchasers and marketing specialists, who speak a completely different language.” It was really cool to see the disconnect between the chemistry side and the business side, but the really interesting thing was that I was able to bridge that gap a lot of the time, Goodwin said.”

With some luck and perseverance Courtney was able to make his first sale within a month of starting at EPL BAS. “I was really excited to get our first sale. It was beautiful timing, it really was. I found an organization that had the need for our protein. I sent them a proposal outlining the usefulness of the two proteins and thankfully everything worked out.

“My boss, Ms.King, was really excited and surprised when I told her I had our first buyer. She was surprised because the product is so new,” Courtney recalls.

Generally, it takes a new product at least six months to one year after it is released to gain popularity and eventually be sold, and Courtney did it in less than one month. Since the first sale of Glycinin and Beta-Conglycinin, Courtney has worked diligently to make more sales.

“We have had interest from several international organizations, and that is always exciting, that means two things for EPL BAS: one: awareness of the product is increasing and two: our name is regarded as a company that has the product available, that makes me very happy, said Goodwin.”

The sale of Glycinin and Beta-Conglycinin marks a new era for EPL BAS. This era is marked by the expansion of its existing services and the addition of new products. Glycinin and β- Conglycinin are the two major storage proteins found in soybeans. β- Conglycinin is a soluble glycoprotein that forms a trimer.

Glycinin exists in a hexameric form and is also a heterogeneous compound. There are specific interests in each protein. Glycinin is a major allergen and may shed light on soybean allergenicity research. Beta-Conglycinin is a known for its possible health benefits that include reduction of atherosclerosis, Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), and appetite suppression.

For more information about EPL BAS, Glycinin or Beta- Conglycinin. Please visit www.eplbas.com

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