AeANET : AeA Monthly News, December 2008

AeA & ITAA Announce Merger

After careful consideration, the Boards of Directors of AeA and the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) have voted to merge the associations' memberships and programs to become The Technology Association of America.

The merger will create THE technology association in the United States, giving rise to a stronger voice for the industry by bringing together the largest number of tech companies in the country.

Your company will benefit from a broader range of programs and services offered by the new Association. In addition to a unified federal advocacy operation in Washington, DC, you will have access to expanded state government affairs programs, as well as the industry�s leading suite of affinity, research, event and standards offerings.

The Technology Association of America will represent approximately 2,000 member companies. It will have offices across the United States, in Beijing and in Brussels. AeA�s network of regional councils combined with ITAA�s alliances with over 40 regional associations through the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), as well as ITAA�s membership in the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) � a network of 69 technology associations in countries around the world � will complete a robust, grassroots-to-global presence for the technology industry.

The new association will benefit from a strong leadership team. Current ITAA Chairman Hank Steininger will serve as Chairman of the new Board of Directors, with current AeA Chairman Peter Boni serving as Vice Chairman. The new organization�s board will include an equal number of directors from each of the organizations� current boards. The current members of AeA�s and ITAA�s Boards of Directors and Executive Committees will continue to serve in those capacities.

The merger agreement calls for staff leadership of the new organization to be shared between myself and Phil Bond. I will serve as CEO, with direct responsibility for the organization�s overall performance, while Phil will serve as President, leading our lobbying, public policy and communications priorities. Dan Heinemeier will be Chief Operating Officer.

The merger is expected to close on December 31, 2008. In the coming months, we will be working to integrate the two organizations in a manner that maximizes the benefits and value for all members.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Christopher W. Hansen
President & CEO
AeA

Click on your state to learn how AeA continues to serve the high-tech interests in your council.

AeA Successfully Advocates Member Company Issues at World Customs Organization

Three priority issues of AeA member companies were on the agenda of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) Review Subcommittee�s 38th Session, held November 17 � 26, in Brussels, Belgium. The HS is used by more than 200 countries and economies as a basis for their Customs tariffs and for the collection of international trade statistics. Over 98% of the merchandise in international trade is classified in terms of the HS.

The first issue addressed at the intergovernmental meeting was a possible amendment to the HS with respect to printer cartridges. The AeA Printer Coalition spearheaded a global industry effort to oppose a proposal introduced by the WCO Secretariat in May 2008 which would have provided a separate heading or subheading for printer cartridges in Chapter 84 or 96. A concern of industry was the potential effect if the printer cartridges were moved to heading 96. The U.S. delegation raised industry concerns during the deliberations which led to the agenda item being tabled and no changes will be made to the next revision (2012) of the nomenclature.

AeA was also successful in clarifying the language in a new subheading note in Chapter 95 which covers video game consoles and machines. A new chapter note was also added that states media of 85.23 is excluded from Chapter 95. A third item of interest to members was the definition of multi-component integrated circuits aimed to update the definition of products that, because of current technology, should be covered by heading 85.42. Due to the complexity of this issue it will be carried over to the next review cycle of the HS.

For more information on the AeA WCO Coalition or to join, contact Ken Montgomery at ken_montgomery@aeanet.org or to learn more about all of AeA�s International committees contact Rob Mulligan at rob_mulligan@aeanet.org.

Rob Mulligan (bio)
Senior Vice President International

For more information on the International Issues affecting your company, visit:

AeA International Environment Committee Reviews Developments in China, Europe, and India While Planning More Active Agenda for 2009

The AeA International Environmental Committee (IEC) met at the Association's Santa Clara, CA office on November 11, with over 20 member company representatives participating. The meeting was chaired by Mike Hutchings, SUN.

The committee was updated on environmental legislation in China including WEEE, RoHS and Packaging by Tad Ferris with the law firm of Holland & Knight. They also had an update on EU WEEE & RoHS, REACH, the Battery Directive, Green Procurement, and EUP from Ken Rivlin, with the law firm of Allen & Overy. Angeles Murgier and Guillermo Mahn Green, from Brons & Salas, gave the group an overview of the WEEE and RoHS laws that have been proposed in Argentina. They also discussed the Battery law for Argentina and the Buenos Aires� rechargeable battery management plan. Holly Evans, Strategic Counsel, LLC, presented a series of maps of the United States showing where RoHS, recycling, and energy efficiency legislation had been enacted and/or proposed.

The remainder of the meeting was spent planning for 2009 activities. The International Environment Committee agreed to create two subcommittees: one covering Asia Pacific E-waste/WEEE issues and the other covering Asia Pacific Packaging issues. The E-waste subcommittee will review India E-waste guidelines released earlier this year and provide comments. Also, beginning in 2009 the IEC will move from meeting twice a year to quarterly meetings that will support a more proactive AeA international environment effort. The subcommittees will be meeting by phone as needed between the quarterly meetings.

If member companies would like to participate in the International Environment Committee and one or both of these two new subcommittees, please contact Mark Plagens, Director International Environment Policy, for further information.

Rob Mulligan (bio)
Senior Vice President International

AeA, EICTA, & GeSI Joint November 18, 2008 Press Release: The ICT sector is a key driver to a low carbon society and it is fundamental to fight Climate Change
Three industry representatives of the Commission�s Ad-hoc Advisory Group on ICT for Energy Efficiency today expressed the need for a better understanding of the importance of the ICT sector and a more fundamental integration of ICT solutions in EU policies in order to address the challenge of fighting climate change.

For more information on the International Issues affecting your company, visit:

AeA Outreach to Obama Transition Team

As part of AeA�s continuing outreach to the incoming presidential Administration, senior members of President-Elect Obama�s transition team met with over 50 AeA members and representatives of various sectors within the high-tech and education communities at AeA�s Washington, DC headquarters on December 5.

The transition team included Thomas Kalil, President-Elect Obama�s Office of Science and Technology Policy Review Team Lead. Joining Mr. Kalil were Alec Ross, Jonathan Sallett and Jim Turner.

The transition team members made the following points and suggestions to kick off their �listening session�:

President-Elect Obama has a commitment to science and technology innovation as a driving force for growth and achievement in all its national goals
Priorities for the new Administration include the economic recovery package, the 2010 budget, help for American automobile manufacturers, improvement of the healthcare and housing industries and the financial crisis
The transition team is gathering input from high tech on specific programs that can be quickly implemented during the first 100 days of an Obama administration � especially programs that promote job creation and economic growth
They were interested in policies that would result in real dollar savings rather then new expenditures
The team is looking for succinct policy suggestions that are executable without changes in statute
Mr. Kalil sought information on high-tech opportunities and obstacles that currently exist within the various government agencies
The team is looking for suggestions for public/private partnerships that would help defray costs for any new programs or initiatives

The member company representatives made the following points and suggestions:

At a minimum, the new Administration should honor current budget requests for government-funded basic research in the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Department of Energy Office of Science
The new economic stimulus packages should concentrate on infrastructure, with focus paid to NSF and other science agencies and their programs that are ready to be implemented upon receipt of funds
On the topic of energy, include basic science programs and funding in helping to meet these challenges; support young faculty and students interested in this area
The goal for the FY10 budget should be the Obama campaign promise of a doubling in funding for basic science research
Suggestion of simplifying the contracting process between Government Agencies, an adoption of industry best practices in many arenas and relaxing the regulations on personnel transfers
Industry reps emphasized the need for modernizing U.S Export Controls and China trade policies
Make the R&D tax credit permanent
Reauthorize repatriation of foreign earnings by American corporations at a temporarily reduced taxation rate with certain safeguards as to use of the repatriated funds since this will increase liquidity and bring money into the U.S. Treasury

These points and suggestions were well received by the transition team who requested additional information.

AeA was chosen by the transition team members to be the point of contact on these issues, and will continue the dialogue between the technology industry and the Obama transition team.

Please direct all questions, comments and policy suggestions to:

John P. Palafoutas
john_palafoutas@aeanet.org
202-682-4451
Sr. Vice President Domestic Policy
AeA, Advancing the Business of Technology
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW
North Bldg Ste 600

For a detailed executive summary about what an Obama Administration means to high tech visit www.aeanet.org/Obama.

Christopher W. Hansen, President & CEO, AeA; Thomas Kalil, Obama-Biden Transition Team; and Phil Bond, President & CEO, ITAA (L-R)

50+ high-tech and academic industry leaders meet with members of the Obama-Biden Transition Team at AeA

John Palafoutas (bio)
Senior Vice President for Domestic Policy & Congressional Affairs

Summarizing the State Legislative Activity of 2008

This year AeA unveiled its new State Government Affairs Program to create greater transparency in AeA's policy making process and to ensure that we were acting as a unified organization with messaging that was consistent throughout the states and member driven.

The AeA 2008 State Legislative Wrap-up provides a summary of the key legislative battles fought by AeA on behalf of our member companies and reflects our added effectiveness as a result of this reorganization. It has been organized two ways for your convenience, by issue and by region. To see the report, please click on the appropriate link below.

By Issue: http://www.aeanet.org/SGA2008issues
By Region: http://www.aeanet.org/SGA2008region

For more information on AeA�s State Government Affair Program please visit our website at www.aeanet.org/sga or attend AeA's Biannual State Government Affairs (SGA) Meeting on January 26-27 in San Francisco.

Roxanne Gould (bio)
Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs

For more information on State Government Affairs (SGA) issues affecting your company, visit:

Save on Presenting at the World's Largest ICT Trade Fair - CeBIT

AeA would like to invite your company to participate in the CeBIT 2009 Conference being held March 3 - 8, in Hanover, Germany. Take advantage of special exhibit rates for AeA members to market your products to hundreds of potential customers around the world.

Sponsors can participate in roundtable discussions on key issues before hundreds of senior business executives and government officials. Our partnership with BITKOM and Deutsche Messe for CeBIT (Centre for Bureau and Information Technology) 2009 is a first for AeA. CeBIT has been in existence since 1986 and this is the first year that California is the official CeBIT partner state.

About CeBIT 2009 Conference:
CeBIT is the world's largest trade fair showcasing digital IT and telecommunications solutions for home and work environments. The key target groups are users from industry, the wholesale / retail sector, skilled trades, banks, the services sector, government agencies, science and all users passionate about technology. Half a million people attended the conference in 2008 and even more are expected in 2009.

Member Benefits for CeBIT 2009 Conference:
With active involvement in CeBIT, your company's global exposure is elevated. Seventy-seven countries participated from around the world in 2008, even more are expected in 2009. A few additional benefits are:

Discount rates for AeA members
Sponsorships available
Speaking opportunities available
Discount exhibit space rates
Numerous networking opportunities

Further marketing materials will be sent shortly.

For questions, please contact Emily Silverman, AeA's National Programs Manager, at emily_silverman@aeanet.org or 202.682.4450.

Conference Topics Include:

Automotive Solutions and Transport & Logistics
Banking & Finance
Business Processes
CeBIT Security World
Communications
Consumer Electronics
Green IT
ICT Solutions for the Public Sector
Internet & Mobile Solutions
IT Infrastructure
Planet Reseller
Public Infrastructure
TeleHealth / eHealth
Telematics & Navigation

CeBIT Conference Facts from 2008 event:

5,845 exhibiting companies
77 countries exhibited
3,300 were non-German exhibitors
495,000 approximate attendees

Showcasing 90+ Companies
With up to $200M Market Cap or Revenues
***Register Before February 6th and Save $500***

May 3-5, 2009
Monterey Plaza Hotel -- Monterey, California

After wrapping up the 38th Annual AeA Classic Financial Conference, held November 2-5 in San Diego, CA it was evident that company executives need to get in front of investors with an update on their business strategies and opportunities in this down market. Investors found multiple companies of interest. As stated in Forbes.com, the AeA Classic "ranks among the top three or so tech showcases, alongside Needham's New York January Conference and J.P. Morgan's Boston May event. More important, many of the AeA company and investor participants are not invited to brokerage-sponsored events."

In it's 11th year, the AeA Micro Cap Financial Conference has a proven track record, offering a time and cost effective event for emerging companies and investors focused on the high-tech industry. In just two fast-paced, productive days executives can access 150+ investors, make financial business connections, and network with colleagues. All in one location.

New for 2009: The AeA Micro Cap Conference will host a special segment for a select group of privately held technology companies.

Capture the interest of technology focused Investors during the General Session

Leverage the small group breakout sessions to build new business relationships

Identify potential merger or acquisition opportunities

Network with a prominent group of investors and colleagues in one location

Be amongst the first 25 companies to register and
be entered into a drawing for 1 of 3 great prizes.

$500 Credit applied towards your A/V or Webcasting order

Complimentary 2-night stay in an inland view room at the Monterey Plaza Hotel for use during the conference (Valued at $400)

$200 gift certificate for The Sardine Factory Restaurant located just blocks away from the Monterey Plaza Hotel

For more information, visit www.aeanet.org/MicroCap or call AeA's Financial Conferences Team at 408.987.4236.

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Early Applications Now Being Accepted for 2009 AeA/Stanford Executive Institute
Apply by January 9 and Save $1500

Join high-tech executives from around the world at the 2009 AeA/Stanford Executive Institute. The next offering will be August 9-20, 2009. During eleven intensive and invigorating days on the Stanford University campus, attendees advance their business and leadership perspectives, explore operational best practices, and address critical technology industry challenges with colleagues and top professors in high-tech management.

With an accelerated MBA-style format, renowned business and engineering faculty, and a technology industry focus, the Institute assists executives in addressing the pressures of fierce global competition and rapid innovation.

Apply online by January 9 and receive $1,500 off tuition. In addition, companies that send three or more executives receive a team discount of 5% per attendee. To hold your company spots or request more information, contact Denise Bingham at 408.987.4276 or visit www.aeanet.org/stanford.

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DHL Ceases U.S. Operations

Let FedEx pick up where DHL leaves off

Global delivery company DHL announced this month that it was cutting 9,500 jobs as it discontinues air and ground operations within the United States. The plan calls for the company to halt domestic shipping by January 30, 2009.

In these uncertain times, you may be concerned about how this change in the shipping industry might affect your service experience. It is important to have service choices, flexibility and options you can rely on in order to effectively manage your costs, and that is why FedEx is the preferred shipping provider of the AeA.

Be assured that PartnerShip and FedEx will continue to provide you with unparalleled customer service, and great discounts to help bolster your bottom line. Save up to 30% on select FedEx^� service, free, through the AeA Shipping & Freight Savings Program. To enroll in the AeA Program or learn more, go to www.partnership.com/40aea or call your dedicated PartnerShip representative today at 800.599.2902, or email sales@PartnerShip.com.

If you are not already enrolled, do so today and start saving!

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The AeA Salary Survey Offers Members Complimentary Access
To Pay Information For 190 Job Titles Found in the High-Tech Industry

With corporate demands for reducing expenses, careful maintenance of your company's top and bottom lines are more critical than ever. The AeA Salary Survey provides you with the information you need to retain valuable employees and ensure you are compensating them at their current market value.

Current - Updated daily, year-round, access the most up-to-date data available

Customizable - Refine searches based on region, industry or company type at no additional cost

Complimentary - AeA Members receive a free subscription, just for participating

Your company's active participation in the AeA Salary Survey is critical to maintaining dynamic reports for you and your industry peers. All data submissions are kept strictly confidential.

Want to learn more?
Join us for an online orientation that walks you through the process of how to participate and access reports.

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2008
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Pacific / 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern
Location: On-line Webinar
Cost: No Charge

For more information, visit http://survey.aeanet.org or contact AeA's Survey Support at 800.542.9078.

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$1,000 Cash Prizes Given to AeAHealth Participating Company Employees for Wellness

AeA and UnitedHealthcare are dedicated to providing wellness programs and incentives for AeAHealth participants. On November 13, AeAHealth gave $1,000 in cash prizes to six participating company employees who voluntarily went above and beyond for the AeAHealth Walking Challenge.

All Participating companies were given pedometers and the tools needed to make this wellness initiative successful among their employees. Congratulations to all of the AeA Walking Challenge winners who went above and beyond!

For more information about joining the AeAHealth Program, please visit www.aeanet.org/AeAHealth to find your local broker. Otherwise, tell your broker the AeAHealth Program is franchise code 6500000.

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AeA Member Referral Program -- Receive Discounts to your Membership

Provide an introduction or refer a business partner to AeA and receive discounts off of your company's membership dues and other rewards when they join the Association. As the 2008 elections are coming, AeA is asking our members to help us strengthen our voice by expanding membership in your preferred industry association.

Refer prospective members to AeA along with your personal endorsement and receive either a $100 gift card or $100 off of your annual membership dues for each referral that joins.

Provide a direct introduction, via phone, email, or in person, to a prospective company whose U.S. revenue is up to $75M annually and receive a $100 gift card and $250 off your annual membership dues for each introduction that results in a new member for AeA.

Receive a $250 gift card and $1000 off of your annual membership dues for any direct referral that leads to a new member joining, whose U.S. revenues are larger than $75M annually.

The more voices we have, the more clout we have, and the more we are able to do to ensure that the U.S. technology industry remains strong and innovative.

Please submit your recommendations by December 31, 2008 for eligibility of the rewards. Thank you for your membership and for your support in the program.

Download the Recommendation Form
(Microsoft Excel Format)
Contact Your Local Council Office to Participate

AeA's Minnesota Office Presents Leading Innovators with Tekne Awards

The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), in partnership with Enterprise Minnesota and LifeScience Alley, celebrated Minnesota�s status as a hub for technology innovation with the 2008 Tekne Awards October 30 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The Tekne Awards acknowledged companies and individuals who have demonstrated superior technology advancement and leadership in Minnesota.

�This year�s recipients are outstanding examples of innovation and leadership,� said Kate Rubin, President, MHTA. �All of tonight�s finalists and recipients are helping to secure Minnesota�s place as a center of innovation in the global economy. We are proud to recognize these exceptional nonprofit, business and individual leaders.�

The evening also featured the induction of the first class to the Minnesota Science and Technology Hall of Fame, a partnership between MHTA and the Science Museum of Minnesota. Created for and inspired by heroes in the realms of science and technology, the Minnesota Science and Technology Hall of Fame honors Minnesotans whose achievements in science and technology have made a lasting impact not only to the state of Minnesota, but globally as well.

Additional Upcoming Events Around the Country and World

December: Technology and IP Networking Event (December 10 - Portland, OR)
Panel members lead a discussion or experts in the field present relevant topics for TIP professionals in the technology industry. These events are open to member and non-member companies.

The Current State of Green Cards: What Your Company Needs to Know (December 10 - Webinar)
Jim Levine and Dan Kreeger, of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP, will present on this free ITAA conference call. As more technology companies recruit talent from overseas, it is important for employers to know exactly what preparations need to be made, and how to fulfill the U.S. Government requirements. This program will cover the what, where, how and when of green cards, and give attendees a solid overview of the green card process and how they can assist their employees in staying on top of this important process.

AeA Salary Survey Tutorial Webinar (December 11 - Online Webinar)
AeA's Salary Survey offers online, subscription-based access allowing you to receive fresh data, day or night and anytime of the year. AeA Member companies - Participate in the Survey and receive your annual subscription for FREE.

Why Tech is So Crucial to Our Economic Recovery (December 11 - Burlington, MA)
AeA President & CEO Chris Hansen will review policy challenges facing the country and the high-tech industry under a new Administration and Congress. In addition, we will update members on technology company association consolidation and AeA's role in it. By invitation only.

E-Verify Information Webinar (FREE for AeA/ITAA Members) (December 17 - Online Webinar)
ITAA & AeA's guest speakers from Hogan & Hartson Paul Virtue Partner and Agnes Dover Director of Government Contracts will discuss the program and take questions during this free webinar on E-Verify. E-Verify (formerly known as the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program) is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their employees.

January Finance Networking Event (January 15 - Portland, OR)
Panel members lead a discussion or experts in the field present relevant topics for finance professionals in the technology industry. During this session attendees will learn about current SEC issues as well as other accounting topics. These events are open to member and non-member companies.

Texas CEO Roundtable (January 15 - Dallas, TX)
The CEO Roundtable is a monthly meeting for DFW based AeA member company CEOs to discuss their most pressing business issues while offering and/or seeking the advice of their peers. Each participant is required to sign a non-disclosure agreement and the Forum is professionally moderated.

Los Angeles Dinner & Legislative Updates (January 22 - Woodland Hills, CA)
The Dinner for Decision Makers Series will discuss what you need to know about upcoming state legislation and how a number of bills may negatively impact your business.

AeA State Government Affairs Winter 2009 Meeting (January 26-27 - San Francisco, CA)
Join policy professionals and executives from around the U.S. at AeA's Biannual State Government Affairs (SGA) Meeting, which will be hosted by Monica Mueller, Motorola and AeA SGA Chair, and Mike Foulkes, Apple and AeA SGA Vice-Chair.

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Date	Event	Location
Dec. 1	Reception: Congresswoman Jackie Speier	Silicon Valley, CA
Dec. 1	AeA Orange County Growth Matters Committee	Irvine, CA
Dec. 1	Texas Council Executive Committee Meeting	Dallas, TX
Dec. 2	Immigration in 2009 and Beyond	Via, Teleconference
Dec. 2	Big Draw V	Scottsdale, AZ
Dec. 3	HEART Holiday Event	Arts Costa Mesa, CA
Dec. 3	Management Training	Portland, OR
Dec. 4	CFO Forum	Portland, OR
Dec. 5	Roundtable With CA CIO Staff At Sun Microsystems	Menlo Park, CA
Dec. 5	Education Committee	Lynnwood, WA
Dec. 9	AeA Orange County Sales & Marketing Committee Meeting	Tustin, CA
Dec. 9	AeA Orange County Global Connect Committee Meeting	Irvine, CA
Dec. 9	AeA Minnesota/MHTA CIO Panel	Eden Prairie, MN
Dec. 10	Roundtable with Assembly ES&TM Committee at Agilent	Santa Clara, CA
Dec. 10	AeA Holiday Reception	San Diego, CA
Dec. 10	The Current State of Green Cards	Via, Teleconference
Dec. 11	AeA Salary Survey Tutorial Webinar	Via Online, Webinar
Dec. 11	Managing Workforce Reductions in Challenging Economic Times	Santa Clara, CA
Dec. 11	Why Tech Is So Crucial To Our Economic Recovery	Burlington, MA
Dec. 11	Green IT Webinar	Via, Webinar
Dec. 11	AeA Export Controls Committee Meeting	Washington, DC
Dec. 12	AeA Customs Committee Meeting	Washington, DC
Dec. 12	NJ-PA Executive Committee Meeting	Via Telephone Conference, NJ
Dec. 12	AeA Webinar - Economic Storm Hits IT Spending	Via, Webinar
Dec. 12	WA Marketing Committee Meeting	Seattle, WA
Dec. 16	TX CFO Forum	Addison, TX
Dec. 16	AeA Orange County Executive Connect Committee	Irvine, CA
Dec. 16	Technology and IP Networking Event	Portland, OR
Dec. 17	Arizona Executive Commitee Meeting	Scottsdale, AZ
Dec. 17	Associate Member Mixer	Seattle, WA
Dec. 17	E-Verify Information Webinar (FREE for AeA/ITAA Members)	Via, Online Webinar
Dec. 18	TX CEO Roundtable	Dallas, TX
Dec. 18	AeA Orange County Growth Matters Committee	Irvine, CA

Full Events Calendar

Vermont Has the Nation's Highest Concentration of Tech Exports
Tech Exports as a Percent of Total Exports (2007)

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census

AeA's second annual edition of Trade in the Cyberstates: A State-by-State Overview of High-Tech International Trade found that Vermont�s international exports continue to be the most heavily dependent on technology, with high-tech products accounting for 75 percent of all exports from the state. High tech is also vital to the export activity of Idaho, comprising 70 percent of all goods exported from the state. Completing the top five cyberstates by concentration were New Mexico (63 percent), Arizona (45 percent), and Colorado (44 percent). These states' tech export concentrations can largely be explained by heavy semiconductor manufacturing production for foreign markets.

In its 38th year, The AeA Classic Financial Conference continued to provide public member companies with an environment in which to showcase their companies to key investors between November 2-5 in San Diego, CA.

Executives from 92 public companies presented their technologies, strategic missions, trend analysis and other significant information to a focused group of 275 investors. And for the first time, as part of the Special Presenter Segment, AeA invited 9 privately held companies to give presentations.

For additional information on the conference, read Forbes.com article Small Tech, Big Opportunity, which references the Classic as among the top three tech showcases.

In preparation for the second phase of the China RoHS regulation, the restriction of hazardous substances and certification process, the AeA China RoHS Steering Committee met with the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) on July 16 and October 29, in Beijing to share industry views on their preferred certification approach.

Over 1,000 Minnesota high-tech professionals attended the annual 2008 Tekne Awards in Minneapolis on October 30 to honor companies, innovations, and individuals.

On October 31, nearly 600 Southern California executives attended the 15th Annual AeA High Tech Awards in San Diego to celebrate the achievements of leading companies in the region.

On November 5, policy professionals and executives joined AeA in Washington, DC, and via conference call to have a dialogue about what the elections and President-Elect Obama will mean for the high-tech industry.

AeA's High-Tech Global Trade Compliance: Best Practices Conference on November 6 in Austin included speakers from Cymer; Dell; Del Ray, Bernsen & Loewy LLP; Freescale; MK Technology; National Instruments; and Plantronics.

AeA's Mergers & Acquisitions Capital Conference, held November 12 in Atlanta, included panels on venture capital and strategies for mid- and large-cap companies. Pictured are Glen Whitley, Executive Director, AeA Southeast Council, and event keynote Patrick Barron, COO & EVP, Atlanta Federal Reserve (L-R).

AeA's State Government Affairs program hosts a meeting and conference call in Washington, DC, with Aneesh Chopra, Virginia's Secretary of Technology, on November 14 at the Association's office to outline Governor Kaine's 2009 priorities.

AeA and the Anita Borg Institute (ABI) hosted Dr. Telle Whitney, ABI President & CEO, and Dr. Caroline Simard, ABI Director of Research, at Keypoint Credit Union in Santa Clara, CA, for a discussion on the obstacles and solutions for advancing women's careers in the technology industry.

Phil Bond
President & CEO
ITAA

Phillip J. Bond was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Information Technology Association of America in June, 2006. In that capacity, he directs the day-to-day operations of the association and reports to the ITAA Board of Directors. ITAA is the premier IT and electronics industry association working to maintain America�s role as the world�s innovation headquarters. Following its April 1, 2008 merger with the Government Electronics and Information Technology Association (GEIA), ITAA provides leadership in market research, standards development, business development, networking and public policy advocacy to some 350 corporate members doing business in the public and commercial sector markets. He is also President of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), a network of industry associations representing 70 high-tech trade groups around the world.

Bond is a highly accomplished executive in both government and industry. Prior to joining ITAA, he served as Senior Vice President of Government Relations for Monster Worldwide, the world's largest online career site, and General Manager of Monster Government Solutions.

From 2001 to 2005, Bond was Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce for Technology and, from 2002-2003, served concurrently as Chief of Staff to Commerce Secretary Donald Evans. In his dual role, Bond worked closely with Secretary Evens to increase market access for U.S. goods and services and further advance America's technological leadership at home and around the world. He oversaw the operations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Office of Technology Policy, and the National Technical Information Service. He also worked to transform the Technology Administration into the pre-eminent portal between the federal government and the U.S. technology industry. During that time, Bond was recognized in Scientific American magazine in its list of the Top 50 Tech Leaders of 2003.

Bond joined the Administration from the private sector, where he served as Director of Federal Public Policy for the Hewlett-Packard Company, and previously as Senior Vice President for Government Affairs and Treasurer of the Information Technology Industry Council.

From 1993 to 1998, Bond served as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn (R-WA). He was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs from 1992 to 1993. Earlier, Bond was Chief of Staff and Rules Committee Associate for Congressman Bob McEwen (R-OH) from 1990 to 1992. From 1987 to 1990, he served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs.

He is a graduate of Linfield College in Oregon. Bond and his wife, Diane, have two daughters and reside in Fairfax Station, Virginia.

AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association), founded in 1943, is a nationwide non-profit trade association that represents all segments of the technology industry and is dedicated solely to helping our members� top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels; providing access to capital and business opportunities; and offering select business services and networking programs.

AeA is the largest association of high-tech companies in the United States. To learn more about receiving the full ROI from your company's membership, please visit www.aeanet.org/GetInvolved.

You can find the office closest to you by clicking here or entering your zipcode below.

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For questions or information about this newsletter,
please contact the AeA Monthly News Staff via email or at 202.682.4458.

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AeA Monthly News, October 2008

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