Expanded Programs to Fill the Needs of Illinois Technology Companies

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Jun 7, 2011) - The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) announces new and expanded programs and benefits, supporting the continued accelerated growth of the technology industry in Illinois. The continued advancement of programs and benefits offered to ITA member companies responds to the changing needs of the growing tech industry.

The ITA Pulse of the Industry Survey presents a growing industry, outpacing the general economy of the region, which is looking for support to achieve their goals. The survey reveals the need for talent, growth strategies for their business, and planned capital expenditures. Supporting these companies through their growth facilitates a strong economic result for the region.

New programs offer benefits in four key areas, including:

Talent

• Fall Challenge: An annual series of challenges held at several regional universities, challenging Computer Science and Computer Engineering students to test their skills on real-world challenges faced by member companies. The top students from each university then compete for a $5,000 cash prize on an increasingly difficult reality-based test. All finalists meet in Chicago and are introduced to local technology leaders, educating them on the local industry and slowing the 'brain drain' to other regions in the U.S. Fall Challenge is currently open to participation.
• All Stars: Vetted experienced professionals are introduced to companies in a variety of professions, including Technology, Sales, and Marketing professionals. Working through the Alumni groups of the top universities by functional area, interested candidates complete an online assessment, matching the professional with the best fit company and positions of their choosing. All Stars will be held in Fall 2011.

Advocacy

• TechNet: A partnership with ITA to expand the engagement of Illinois' companies in the national government dialogue on the technology industry. ITA members can leverage the contacts and infrastructure of TechNet to ensure our growing and dynamic industry is central to the discussion. Next up is a luncheon with the Chairman of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), Julius Genachowski. This exclusive event is by invitation only and made possible through the ITA & TechNet partnership.
• CompTIA: ITA is also a national partner with CompTIA. CompTIA, with the support of the ITA, is hosting a lunch reception with Congressman Fred Upton on June 17. Congressman Upton is the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Collaboration

• Grow Dinners: An invitation only dinner and networking session providing growth stage companies the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and develop a more robust conversation with like companies who face similar challenges. The next Grow Dinner is scheduled on June 30.

• OpenDoors: All companies need advice, and there is no better place than the community of peers. Members of the OpenDoors Collaboration Council have agreed to lend their time and expertise to support peers in companies of all sizes on a variety of topics. Sessions are available in limited quantities on a monthly basis. OpenDoors will begin Fall 2011.

"As the local technology community continues to grow, gaining recognition on the national level, the programs and benefits offered by the ITA must fulfill the needs of the community who benefit from these services," said Fred Hoch, President ITA. "Our most recent survey clearly states we are in a growth stage, hiring staff, forecasting sales growth, and planning capital expenditures. ITA must continue to be a source of support to the local economy, based on the expanded set of needs."

To find out more about ITA programs and benefits, visit www.illinoistech.org.

About the ITA
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is a driving force behind the growth of Illinois' vibrant technology ecosystem. We are relentless in championing the development and application of technology, from start-up companies to industry leaders, leveraging the transformative nature of technology to revolutionize industries. ITA uniquely capitalizes on peer-to-peer collaboration, networking, and access to experts across the breadth of business to cultivate the Illinois technology industry. The unique and powerful integration of these valuable and experienced resources differentiates the ITA as a source of accelerated growth for the technology industry of Illinois. 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.