Groups Merge To Form Technology Association Of America

The AeA (the American Electronics Association) and the Information Technology Association of America will merge and become the Technology Association of America.

The boards of directors of both groups said Tuesday that the each approved a plan to unite the two trade associations' members and services by the end of the year. They said the move will strengthen the voices of those in the technology industry and create a group representing 2,000 member companies, the highest number of technology companies in 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," said ITAA chairman Hank Steininger, managing partner at Grant Thornton, a firm that specializes in auditing, management consulting, corporate finance, risk management, and IT.

Thornton said in a statement released Tuesday that the Technology Association of America will become the clear leader in technology trade industry groups.

"With the onset of a new year, we are faced with many obstacles and opportunities," said AeA chairman Peter J. Boni, president and CEO of Safeguard Scientifics.

Boni said in a statement that the consolidation will enable those in the technology sector to present a united partner to those crafting technology policy in the White House and Congress. It could also create a powerful tech lobbying force.

AeA will combine its regional councils with ITAA's alliances through 40 regional associations with the Technology Councils of North America, which include more than 16,000 companies.

Technology Association of America will also have offices in Beijing and Brussels and be a member of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance, a global network of 69 technology associations.