Internationalist Award Showcases Pinnacle Transplant Technologies’ Efforts Across Borders
Regenerative medical company working with City of Phoenix and Arizona Commerce Authority, among others, to expand international export opportunities for its innovative allograft products
Photo credit: Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations
PHOENIX, Ariz. – October 20, 2015 – The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR) in partnership with the Arizona District Export Council (ADEC) recently honored Russ Yelton, CEO of Pinnacle Transplant Technologies, with its “Internationalist Award” during the 11th Annual International State of the State luncheon in October. The award showcased Yelton’s success in facilitating and expanding international business efforts both as a business incubation executive as well as through his role at Pinnacle.
“It is amazing to be recognized by PCFR, ADEC and Governor Ducey, all of whom are tremendous proponents of the globalization of Arizona business,” said Yelton. “We have made every effort at Pinnacle to build those necessary relationships with the international community that allow us to impact lives beyond the borders of the United States.”
One of those “necessary” relationships is with key representatives in the medical community in Latin America, specifically Mexico. To date, Pinnacle has participated in three trade missions to the country, with another scheduled for early November. All of the missions have primarily centered on identifying distribution partners and opportunities for the company’s medical allografts. Yelton explained that Pinnacle currently exports to South Korea and Canada and is exploring opportunities in the Middle East as well.
The City of Phoenix and Mayor Greg Stanton as well as the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) have been important supporters locally of Pinnacle’s global expansion efforts. For example, both partners recruited the company for their jointly-offered ExporTech program this spring, which helps formulate comprehensive export strategies for growing Phoenix companies through workshops and individualized coaching. This ultimately led to Pinnacle’s inaugural visit in April to begin exploring the Mexican market, and it has yielded more promising discussions in subsequent trips as part of Mayor Stanton’s larger overall initiative to boost ties with Mexico.
“This is not a traditional role for cities, to help local companies enter the global marketplace, but in the year 2015 it’s a necessity to move our economy forward,” said Mayor Stanton during his 2015 State of the City Address in May. “By breaking into international markets, [Pinnacle Transplant Technologies] will create even more jobs here in Phoenix.”
For Yelton and the Pinnacle team, these initiatives are not only good for business but consistent with the overall mission of the company.
“We are entrusted with the gift of donated human tissue, which necessitates that we see it fully utilized,” he said. “If we can improve the lives of individuals across the globe while simultaneously impacting our local and regional economy, then it is a win-win for everybody involved.”
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About Pinnacle Transplant Technologies
Pinnacle Transplant Technologies is a regenerative medical company that manufactures innovative allografts to the highest standards of quality and safety for transplant into human recipients. To date, Pinnacle’s products have improved the lives of more than 100,000 individuals worldwide. Pinnacle operates out of a 24,000 square-foot facility located in Phoenix, Arizona, with a processing core that contains 10 validated cleanrooms and state-of-the-art equipment, such as CNC precision milling machines, designed to produce specialty allografts. For more information, visit pinnacletransplant.com.
Media contacts
Russ Yelton, ryelton@pinnacletransplant.com, 828.582.6323
Greg Bullock, azbullock@gmail.com, 480.544.8320