ITA Heads to DC to Advocate for Tech Sector

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Feb 5, 2013) -  Next week, ITA will join CompTIA and TechVoice to advocate for IT sector priorities on Capitol Hill during the organizations' annual fly-in to Washington. CompTIA is the non-profit representing the IT industry, and TechVoice, which works with CompTIA and the Technology Councils of North America, works to provide a voice to tech companies on Capitol Hill.

As a CompTIA member/TechVoice Partner, ITA will meet with representatives of the Illinois Congressional delegation to focus their attention on policies that strengthen IT security, encourage workforce development, modernize the tax code and protect access to capital.

"IT sector innovation is a key force behind a strong 21st century economy, and in light of the new era of fiscal responsibility, Congress should prioritize issues that affect small and midsize IT businesses, such as the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit and supporting investments in education and training in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields," said Fred Hoch, CEO of ITA. "As a strong advocate for small business needs, I am pleased to join forces with fellow CompTIA and TechVoice members to help increase high-skilled job and education opportunities." 

ITA, along with other business leaders, will meet with legislators to also highlight industry priorities such as the need to create national standards for data breaches to eliminate barriers to market entry for cyber security and data protection businesses.

"As the IT sector grapples with the implementation of 2013 Congressional priorities, CompTIA will continue to facilitate open discourse between legislators and small and midsize IT businesses," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA. "Through a balanced, multi-policy approach that incorporates the needs of hiring businesses, Congress can boost economic growth nationwide." 

The fly in begins February 12th and runs through February 14^th. For more information on CompTIA's advocacy efforts, visit www.TechVoice.org. 

About the ITA
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is the driving force behind the growth of Illinois' vibrant technology industry. Providing programs and services focused on development, visibility, and talent attraction, ITA accelerates the growth of member company's businesses. ITA brings growth-stage industry companies together, leveraging the connections and experiences of the community to increase the overall success rate of the local industry. Championing the development and application of technologies and leveraging its transformative nature, ITA is an invaluable resource for growing companies. For more information about ITA, please visit www.illinoistech.org. 

Contact the ITA at headquarters@illinoistech.org, follow the discussion on Twitter at @itabuzz, and visit www.illinoistech.org to find out more about how ITA supports the growth of the local industry.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. As a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, CompTIA is the recognized authority for IT education and credentials and the primary advocate for IT businesses and workers. Through its foundation, CompTIA also enables disadvantaged populations to gain the skills they need for employment in the IT industry. CompTIA's vision of the IT landscape is shaped by more than 25 years of global perspective and more than 2,000 members and 1,000 business partners. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/comptia.