AeA, Illinois High-tech Leaders and Lt. Governor to Open NASDAQ
on October 13

Initiative Highlights Illinois High-tech Companies and Statewide Illinois Technology Index

Oakbrook Terrace, IL (October 8, 2008) – In continuation with ongoing efforts to raise visibility for the high-tech industry in Illinois, AeA, the nation's largest high-tech trade association, along with Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and several high-tech executives, will convene in New York City to open the NASDAQ Stock Market on Monday. The event, arranged by AeA, will also emphasize the recently-launched Illinois Technology Index (ILTI) – the first statewide public technology index in the United States, developed to promote Illinois’ leading technology companies and the outstanding technology resources within the state.

"The ILTI brings focus to the exciting and high-quality technology companies in our state," said Marty Singer, PCTEL’s Chairman and CEO and the Chair of AeA’s Midwest Council. "Outstanding universities, a supportive state government, and significant banking and venture resources support entrepreneurial initiatives in communications, biotech, alternative fuels, information technology, high-tech manufacturing, and life sciences."

"Improving technology is critical to the social and economic development of our state," said Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, who serves as chairman of the Illinois Broadband Deployment Council. "On behalf of the people of Illinois, I salute our innovative technology companies on the launch of the Illinois Technology Index. Their leadership and hard work will create advancements in high-speed communication, alternative energy and health care."

In May 2008, AeA and The NASDAQ Stock Market unveiled the ILTI. The public-private partnership was supported by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Grant Thornton LLP, Baker & McKenzie, and the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO), and tracks all public companies headquartered in Illinois from major sectors including high tech manufacturing, information technology, biotech, alternative fuels, and life sciences.

"Opening the NASDAQ market further demonstrates AeA’s ongoing dedication to promote Illinois’ high-tech industry," said Ed Longanecker, Executive Director of AeA’s Midwest Council. "We must support innovation and growth in this critical industry. High-tech positions command higher salaries and these companies attract investment and talent to the state."

Attending executives represent many of Illinois' leading technology companies and employers, including both emerging companies and many of Illinois' most influential innovators. Participating companies and organizations include:

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ (GS): MDRX); Baker & McKenzie LLP; Cabot Microelectronics Corporation (NASDAQ (GS): CCMP); comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): SCOR); Fuel Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): FTEK); Grant Thornton LLP; InnerWorkings, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): INWK); Littelfuse, Inc. (NASDAQ (GS): LFUS); Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ (GS): MSFT); PCTEL, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): PCTI); Shure Inc.; Silicon Valley Bank; SNTial Technologies, Inc.; Supply-Chain Services, Inc.; Tellabs, Inc. (NASDAQ (GS): TLAB); Telular Corporation (NASDAQ (GM): WRLS); thincSoft; Trading Technologies International, Inc.; VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): VDSI); World Business Chicago; and Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ (GS): ZBRA).

What Does High Tech Mean for Illinois?

– 209,300 high-tech workers in 2006 (8th ranked cyberstate)

–  3,600 jobs added between 2005 and 2006

–  High-tech firms employed 42 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2006, ranked 29th nationwide

–  High-tech workers earned an average wage of $77,100 (14th ranked), or 68 percent more than Illinois's average private sector wage

–  A high-tech payroll of $16.1 billion in 2006, ranked 8th nationwide

–  16,100 high-tech establishments in 2006, ranked 5th nationwide

–  Venture capital investments of $510 million in 2007, up 24 percent from $410 million in 2006, ranked 12th nationwide

–  R&D expenditures of $11.3 billion in 2004, ranked 8th nationwide

Illinois’s National Industry Sector Rankings:

–  4th in measuring and control instruments with 11,400 jobs

–  4th in electronic components manufacturing employment with 12,500 jobs

–  4th in communications equipment manufacturing employment with 9,400 jobs

Source: AeA Cyberstates 2008

Data are for 2006 unless otherwise noted – 2006 state data are the most current available for employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and industry sector jobs.

For more information about AeA’s efforts on behalf of the high-tech industry in Illinois, please visit www.aeanet.org/midwest.


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About AeA
AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, 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. For more information, please visit www.aeanet.org.

This page was last updated on 10/08/08.