The Washington, DC-based AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association) and the Arlington, VA-based Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) joined forces on January 1 to create The Technology Association of America.

The move is intended to give a stronger voice for the technology industry by bringing together the largest number of tech companies throughout the United States.

AeA President and CEO Christopher Hansen and ITAA President and CEO Phil Bond will share leadership of the new group. Hansen will be CEO focused on running the organization, while Bond will be President and handle public policy, lobbying and communications.

More Clout in Washington

"For all of its impact on everyday life, the technology industry has had insufficient clout in Washington and the state capitals -- until now," says ITAA Chairman Hank Steininger, a managing partner at Grant Thornton. "Together, our associations will become the clear leader, continuing a chain of consolidation that ITAA began in January."

"With the onset of a new year, we are faced with many obstacles and opportunities," says AeA Chairman Peter J. Boni, President and CEO of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. "The consolidation of these two great associations offers the technology industry a strong voice on Capitol Hill and extends the new Administration a united partner to foster innovation and address the challenges ahead."

The new organization, representing approximately 2,000 member companies, will advocate on technology issues in state capitals across the country and provide programs in every industry center.

AeA's extensive network of regional councils across the U.S., combined with ITAA's alliances with over 16,000 companies through 40 regional associations with the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), will provide an unrivaled national presence.

A United Federal Lobbying Operation

The two associations will bring that network to Washington through a united federal lobbying operation. An exclusive membership in the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) -- a network of 69 technology associations in countries around the world -- and offices in Beijing and Brussels will round out the Technology Association of America's robust capability for the technology industry at large.

AeA, the nation's largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, was dedicated to helping our members' top line and bottom line. It did this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs.

The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) was the premier IT and electronics industry association working to maintain America's role as the world's innovation headquarters. ITAA provided leadership in market research, standards development, business development, networking and public policy advocacy to some 350 corporate members doing business in the public and commercial sector markets. These members range from the smallest start-ups to industry leaders offering Internet, software, services and hardware solutions.