Grassroots to global: AeA, ITAA announce merger, creating lobbying powerhouse
By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 12/10/2008 2:59:00 PM
The Boards of Directors of AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association) and the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) approved the merger of the two trade associations' memberships and programs. The combined associations will become The Technology Association of America.
The merger, expected to close by the end of the year, will give rise to a stronger voice for the technology industry by bringing together the largest number of tech companies throughout the United States.
“For all of its impact on everyday life, the technology industry has had insufficient clout in Washington and the state capitals—until now,” says ITAA Chairman Hank Steininger, a managing partner at Grant Thornton. “Together, our associations will become the clear leader, continuing a chain of consolidation that ITAA began in January.”
According to AeA Chairman Peter J. Boni, president and CEO of Safeguard Scientifics, “With the onset of a new year, we are faced with many obstacles and opportunities. The consolidation of these two great associations offers the technology industry a strong voice on Capitol Hill and extends the new Administration a united partner to foster innovation and address the challenges ahead.”
The new organization, representing approximately 2,000 member companies, will advocate on technology issues in state capitals and provide programs in every industry center. AeA’s extensive network of regional councils across the U.S., combined with ITAA’s alliances with more than 16,000 companies through 40 regional associations with the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), will provide an unrivaled national presence.
The two associations will bring that network to Washington via a united federal lobbying operation. An exclusive membership in the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA)—a network of 69 technology associations in countries around the world—and offices in Beijing and Brussels will round out the Technology Association of America’s grassroots-to-global capability for the technology industry at large.
