Summary
TechAmerica is a United States 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 organization claims to be the "high-tech industry's leading trade association".[1] TechAmerica represents 1,200 companies within the public and commercial sectors of the economy. TechAmerica's stated goal is to provide "grassroots to global" representation for its members. To this end, the organization maintains an advocacy program in all 50 US state capitals, in Washington, DC, and in several international locations.[1] In May 2014, CompTIA, a nonprofit trade association that serves IT professionals, announced it had acquired TechAmerica in a move to expand its public-sector presence.[2]
| Predecessor | Information Technology Association of America AeA |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1924 |
| Headquarters | USA |
| Owner | CompTIA (2014-present) |
History edit
In 2009, AeA and ITAA merged to form TechAmerica.
AeA edit
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.[3]
ITAA edit
The Association of Data Processing Services Organization (ADAPSO) was formed in 1961. This association 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).[3]
2012 Cyber Attack edit
The organization's website was attacked in April 2012 for their support of the controversial CISPA bill.[4]
Sale of standards program edit
In July 2013, TechAmerica sold its standards program to SAE International.[5]
Four lobbyists depart, TechAmerica sues for breach of employee contract edit
On November 4, 2013 it was announced that four TechAmerica lobbyists: Trey Hodgkins, Pam Walker, Erica McCann and Carol Henton had resigned, lured to the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) which was able to raise $50,000 each from more than a dozen of its members to fund the acquisition of the four TechAmerica lobbyists.[6]
TechAmerica filed a lawsuit against ITI and three of the departing lobbyists in D.C. Superior Court. TechAmerica's complaints include that the defecting lobbyists conspired in their new positions to use old contacts and other information acquired while at TechAmerica to help ITI find new clients for its neophyte effort focused on government procurement [7]
Locations edit
- Washington, DC (Headquarters)
- Silicon Valley
- Beijing, China
Services edit
Publications edit
Senior staff edit
Todd Thibodeaux President & CEO
Elizabeth Hyman Executive Vice President, Public Advocacy
Nancy Hammervik Senior Vice President, Industry Relations
David Sommer Chief Financial Officer
L. Daniel Liutikas Chief Legal Officer
References edit
- ^ a b "About TechAmerica". Retrieved 2009-05-22.
- ^ "CompTIA TechAmerica merge". 5 May 2014. Retrieved 2014-05-06.
- ^ a b "TechAmerica History". Retrieved 2009-05-22.
- ^ "TechAmerica: We Were Victim of Cyber Attack; NCTA Site Has Troubles Too". Retrieved 2012-04-11.
- ^ "SAE International Completes Asset Purchase of TechAmerica Standards Program" (Press release). July 18, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
- ^ "'Revenge Of The Nerds': Tech Lobbyists Walk Off Job In Dramatic Shakeup". Huffington Post. 2013-11-04.
- ^ "TechAmerica sues rival ITI". Politico.
- ^ "Publications & standards". Retrieved 2009-05-22.
- ^ "Competitiveness Series". Retrieved 2009-05-22.