Rolling Meadows, IL, August 1, 2001 – The Midwest Council of the AeA, the nation’s largest high-tech trade association, commends Mayor Daley, his staff, and McKinsey & Co. for the development of a comprehensive technology and economic growth plan for the Chicago region. "We applaud Mayor Daley for the creation of a blueprint for technology’s future in Chicago and we stand ready to play a leadership role in helping the Mayor implement the technology components of his plan." said Dennis Sienko, Executive Director of the AeA Midwest Council and a member of the Mayor’s Council of Technology Advisors – Education and Workforce Sub Committee.

Of particular interest to AeA’s Midwest Council is the development of wireless access, a key recommendation of the plan. "The Chicago metropolitan area is the perfect environment to take wireless technology to its next level," said Jim Solomon, Chairman of the AeA Midwest Council and Executive Vice President of 3P Networks, a wireless application consulting firm. "We already have in place, within the Chicago region, all the right elements: software companies, telecommunications companies, infrastructure companies, carriers, wireless device manufacturers, and all the expertise associated with them."

AeA, in cooperation with the NASDAQ Stock Market, released a report in December, 2000 entitled Cybercities: A City-by-City Overview of the High-Technology Industry. The report ranks cities throughout the U.S. based on a number of variables important to the high-tech industry. Chicago ranked 3^rd in high-tech employment and 3^rd in the number of high-tech establishments in the United States.