Chairman’s Club member Steven Boren feels a strong sense of purpose in his work. “We keep people fed three times a day,” he says. He helps do this as Vice President of U.S. Livestock and Equine Businesses for a global company that leverages science to advance animal health in order to protect human health. The company — Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA — is headquartered in Duluth which serves as its central hub for animal health operations in the U.S.
“The health of animals and humans is interconnected,” explains Boren. “We are susceptible to many of the same parasites and infectious diseases that can cross from animals to humans. By keeping animals healthy with vaccines and parasiticides, we help protect human health.”
Boren collaborates with wildlife officials to vaccinate wild animals like foxes and raccoons, which may carry diseases such as rabies that can be harmful to humans. He also focuses on veterinary public health programs designed to reduce the impact of transboundary animal diseases, which are highly transmissible diseases of livestock that can threaten the global food chain, food supply security and human health.
Expanding Access to Food Through Animal Health
Protecting animal health helps stabilize food supply chains and supports efforts to expand food availability in developing nations. “In the United States and much of Europe, most people have access to high-quality proteins, but the majority of the world is still in a deficit from a nutritional standpoint,” Boren says. “We work hard to expand access globally by caring for animals.”
To support this global mission, Boehringer Ingelheim manufactures billions of vaccine doses for poultry each year in its Gainesville facility, shipping vaccines to about 60 countries. In Athens, the company conducts research and produces several hundred million doses of vaccines each year for pets, poultry, and wildlife, distributed to 80 countries. Across its Georgia locations in Duluth, Gainesville and Athens, the company employs around 1,500 people.
Supporting Local Growth with a Global Mission
Boren believes Gwinnett is an ideal location for a global company like Boehringer Ingelheim. “This area has so much to offer, including the necessary infrastructure for a business to succeed,” he says. “The high-quality education system in Gwinnett County and local amenities aid in attracting talent to our organization. The county’s diversity is not only significant but also a crucial resource. It provides businesses like ours with different perspectives, experiences, and skills that foster innovation and creativity.”
He values Gwinnett Chamber’s role in fostering a strong business climate. “It’s important for us to stay connected with local businesses, and the Gwinnett Chamber gives us that opportunity,” he shares. He encourages other business leaders to engage with the Chamber to cultivate relationships across our area and the country. “It’s fascinating to meet people, see how each business drives economic growth and learn how we can support each other,” he adds.