Why should biotech companies do business in Minnesota?

That's a question Minnesota officials answer each year at the BIO convention, an annual biotech industry event. The gathering drew more than 15,000 people last year and states from around the country put their best image forward to woo companies.

Last year, Nebraska offered juicy slices of Omaha steaks. Oklahoma offered electronic food massages at their booth. And Minnesota delegates gave away bags of chocolate, each labeled "Minnesota's angel tax credit. One sweet deal!"

This year, officials said they will highlight how our state has become a center for diabetes research, with the goal of bringing new business to Minnesota. There's no candy to offer this year, but officials will pass out pamphlets touting the state's efforts on diabetes.

"Why Minnesota? No other state or region can equal Minnesota's diabetes research," the pamphlet says.

The pamphlet mentions a collaboration announced last year betwteen the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota. Both organizations pledged to raise $250 million to $350 million and work together on finding new ways to prevent and treat diabetes.

The state wanted to be in alignment with that goal, said Sarah Walbert, medical device and bioscience sector specialist with the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Walbert said the state chose to highlight diabetes because it is a disease that impacts the entire body, and could showcase how there are many entry points to dealing with the disease from all types of businesses, from wound care to biologics. In addition, it's a disease that is expected to affect more people in the future, she said.

"It's a growth industry, sadly," Walbert said.

The Bio convention will be held in Washington D.C., starting on June 27.