Illinois Technology Association's New Programming Is Driving Growth-Stage Companies

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Mar 18, 2013) - The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) has launched a new lineup of member programs and services that address the biggest challenges facing growth-stage companies in Illinois. As the largest, longest-running industry organization serving technology companies in Illinois, the ITA continues to play a lead role in the growth and evolution of the local technology industry and the community that has developed around it.

This year, the ITA has aligned its delivery of programs and resources to focus on driving growth, talent, and visibility for the thousands of growth-stage companies that are headquartered in Illinois. Growth-stage companies are those that have successfully emerged from the seed and startup phases, and are focused on issues such as business strategy, corporate development, hiring, revenue growth, product development and market analysis.

"Since its founding, the ITA has accelerated the growth and visibility of technology companies statewide," said Fred Hoch, ITA president and CEO. "The new program lineup reflects our focus on delivering the tools and insight that companies need to maximize potential and minimize risk. The ITA's invaluable network is standing by to provide collaboration and advice across all applications of technology."

The ITA's expanded programming addresses the top challenges of companies working to become industry leaders in three key areas.

ITA Growth Programs

ITA growth programs provide individuals and organizations with strategic counsel, personalized advice and connections that maximize growth potential. The programs, including newly structured Leadership Forums, Insight Access programs, and Growth Networks, provide members with curated insight, offered by leaders in the local tech industry to optimize strategic decisions in company development.

ITA Talent Programs

The shortage of experienced tech talent is a critical concern for ITA member organizations. ITA talent programs take proactive steps to attract and retain students and professionals across functional expertise, guide companies in making more strategic hiring decisions and develop a rich channel of candidates. The ITA also facilitates an ongoing discussion between industry, education, government and civic entities to ensure Illinois is seen as a top career destination, rich in opportunities and innovative companies.

ITA Visibility Programs

ITA visibility programs build the awareness of local technology companies and their successes, forging ties within the industry as well as with the greater Chicagoland business community. Through these programs, ITA raises the visibility of the Illinois technology community locally and nationally while expanding the presence of ITA member companies as regional economic growth drivers and national technology and innovation leaders.

"This expanded program lineup is explicitly designed to address the biggest challenges faced by growth-stage companies -- issues that our members tell us are of critical importance," Hoch said. "ITA members benefit from an unmatched community who have experience in scaling and ensuring sustainability. Our ecosystem provides companies with the resources to advance the strategic and operational aspects of their businesses."

About the ITA
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is the driving force behind Illinois' vibrant technology industry. ITA's extensive lineup of curated member programs and services address three key critical areas: growth, talent, and visibility. By leveraging the connections and expertise of its more than 600 member companies representing a workforce that is 50,000 strong and growing, the ITA provides the ecosystem growing technology companies need to succeed. For more information, visit www.illinoistech.org, follow the ITA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/itabuzz, and view the ITA's Facebook profile at www.facebook.com/illinoistechnology.