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WINSTON-SALEM – North Carolina's biotechnology industry is the third largest in the nation, and Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines wants to see the industry continue to flourish.

Joines hosted a summit in the Twin City for mayors and leaders from some 20 cities to talk about how these municipalities can be even more attractive to biotech development.

Only California and Massachusetts can claim more biotech companies headquartered or doing business in their states.

Recently appointed chairman of the N.C. Economic Development Board, Joines thinks North Carolina is doing a lot right to grow its industry.

"We're trying to make sure that we're creating the policies, the programs that will allow North Carolina cities to be competitive and creating jobs in our local communities," Joines said.

More than 450 biotech companies are located in the state. Joines said the state can attract even more.

"They all need a good workforce. Education training opportunities are very key to being successful," he said. "Secondly, it's other infrastructure. Many of these companies are heavy users of water and sewer, so communities have to have the ability to provide those, as well.

The director of Wake Forest University's Institute for Regenerative Medicine said there's a financial component, too.

"And that is making sure that we have the right tax incentives that we make sure that we have the right funding available for these technologies to go forward," said Anthony Atala.

Another key element to success that these city leaders would take home with them was the need to streamline government bureaucracy.

"When a manufacturer is deciding on a new location, once they've made a decision to move or to open up something completely new, then they want to go," said Scott Padgett, mayor of Concord. "They've got their financing in order. We need to make sure that there's nothing we're doing that's standing in their way."

Keynote speaker Lt. Governor Walter Dalton said what continues to make North Carolina attractive is it's commitment to biotechnology.

"I think they see North Carolina is invested in biotechnology in many different arenas and that this is hopefully they'll see that this is where it's happening," Dalton said.

Joines said the group would meet again in January before the short session of the General Assembly to hammer out an action plan.