TechAmerica is a US-based technology trade association. It was formed from the merger of AeA (formerly known as the America Electronics Association), the Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA), the Government Electronics & Information Technology Association (GEIA), and the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) in 2009. The company claims to be the "high-tech industry's leading trade association".[1] TechAmerica represents nearly 1,500 companies within the public and commercial sectors of the economy.[1]
History
In 2009, AeA and ITAA merged to form TechAmerica.
TechAmerica logo
AeA
AeA started as the West Coast Electronics Manufacturing Association (WCEMA), formed by David Packard and 25 of Hewlett-Packard's suppliers in 1943. Within 20 years, the association had gathered over 200 members. In 1969, WCEMA was rebranded the Western Electronic Manufacturers Association (WEMA). Less than two years following that rebranding, membership reached to over 600. Once again, the association was renamed in 1977 to the American Electronics Association. In 2001, the branding was shortened to AeA.[2]
ITAA
The Associated of Data Processing Services Organization (ADAPSO) was formed in 1961. This associated was renamed in 1991 to the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA). In 2008, ITAA merged with the Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA) and the Government Electronics Industry Association (GEIA).[2]
Locations
National
Washington, DC. – Government Affairs Office
Virginia - Public Sector Office
Silicon Valley - Commercial Development Office
Regional
Southwest
Los Angeles
Orange County
Sacramento
San Diego
Silicon Valley/Northern CA
Colorado
Florida
Southeast
Midwest
Minnesota
New England
New Jersey-Pennsylvania
New York
Oregon
Texas(Dallas, Austin)
Washington
International
Beijing, China
Brussels, Belgium
Services
Policy Priorities
In the 21st century, our health, education, economy, national and homeland security and environment are all dependent on innovative technologies and policies. Innovation Now is a campaign by the technology community designed to spur our nation's leaders to enact a comprehensive Technology Agenda for America.
The following lists TechAmerica's Agenda items:
Health -- Invest in innovative health information technologies that will transform health care quality, reduce medical errors, and make health care more accessible to our citizens by reducing health care costs.
Jobs, Education and Training -- Ensure a competitive 21st century workforce through comprehensive education reform and initiatives to strengthen lifelong learning opportunities.
Government Management -- Improve overall government effectiveness through the adoption of innovative technologies and by ensuring that the government attracts and retains qualified personnel.
National Security -- Ensure that the men and women in our nation's armed forces are equipped with the latest and highest quality technology in a timely fashion.
Homeland Security -- Support innovative technology solutions that play a critical role in securing the homeland while safeguarding personal privacy.
Green -- Promote the use of technology-based solutions as a means toward solving our nation's energy challenge and contributing to practical strategies for mitigating climate change.
Research and Development -- Double public sector investment in basic R&D over 10 years; enact tax and incentive policies that will increase private sector investment in R&D.
Cyber security -- Protect our nation's technology infrastructure and ensure that citizens are shielded from cyber hackers and attackers.
TechAmerica hosts a variety of events throughout the year. They claim to be the techology association that offers the widest selection of programs.[7] Some of these programs include:
