TechAmerica, Illinois Technology Executives Open NASDAQ Stock Market

NAPERVILLE, Ill., Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- TechAmerica Midwest and numerous Illinois high-tech executives will convene in New York City on Monday, November 15, 2010 to open the NASDAQ Stock Market. The event, arranged by TechAmerica Midwest, will also emphasize the Association's Illinois Tech Index (ILTI), and the winners of the 2010 Chicago Innovation Awards.

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"As the leading technology association in the country, TechAmerica and our members continue to lead efforts to promote our industry and support growth and innovation in Illinois and throughout the United States," said T. Kendall Hunt, Chairman, CEO, VASCO Data Security, Inc., and Chairman, TechAmerica Midwest. "Illinois' outstanding companies, universities, talent pool, R&D capabilities, and quality of life make the state a unique and attractive place to do business."

"Opening the NASDAQ market further demonstrates TechAmerica's ongoing dedication to promote Illinois' high-tech industry," said Ed Longanecker, executive director and regional vice president, TechAmerica. "We must continue to support innovation and growth in this critical industry. High-tech positions command higher salaries, and these companies attract investment and talent to the state."

In May 2008, TechAmerica and The NASDAQ Stock Market unveiled the Illinois Tech Index (ILTI), the first statewide public technology index in the United States. The public-private partnership, supported by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Grant Thornton LLP, Baker & McKenzie, and the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO), tracks all public companies headquartered in Illinois from major sectors including high tech manufacturing, information technology, biotech, alternative fuels, and life sciences.

"The State of Illinois is making key investments to ensure that Illinois remains a leader in the technological revolution, and we are proud to support the Illinois Tech Index on NASDAQ," said Warren Ribley, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. "These outstanding Illinois technology companies are creating the type of high-skill, high-wage jobs that will be the cornerstone of our state's future economy."

Attending executives represent many of Illinois' leading technology companies and employers, including both emerging companies and many of Illinois' most influential innovators. Participating companies and organizations include:

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT); Adage Technologies; Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ (GS): MDRX); Baker & McKenzie; Chicago Innovation Awards; Chicago Transit Authority; crowdSPRING; Electronic Knowledge Interchange (EKI); Grant Thornton LLP; Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity; InContext Solutions; Intel Corporation (NASDAQ (GS): INTC); Lextech Labs; Mjsi, Inc.; Molex Incorporated (NASDAQ (GS): MOLX); Nanophase Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ (GM): NANX); Office of Governor Pat Quinn; PCTEL, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): PCTI); Smart Medical Technology, Inc.; SNTial Technologies, Inc.; SoCore Energy; SVB Financial Group (NASDAQ (GS): SIVB); TechAmerica; Tellabs, Inc. (NASDAQ (GS): TLAB); Telular Corporation (NASDAQ (GM): WRLS); USG Corporation; and VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): VDSI).

TechAmerica continues to lead targeted workforce, economic development, and legislative initiatives to elevate Illinois' position as a leading technology employer and innovator. TechAmerica is also a proud sponsor of the annual Chicago Innovation Awards and is pleased to promote the winners of 2010, most of which will be participating in the Illinois NASDAQ open.

2010 Chicago Innovation Awards winners:

The People's Choice Award- Touch Taste Technologies for development of a system that brings customer service applications to touchscreen tables, mobile phones, and iWalls in a growing number of markets.  The People's Choice Award is determined after an online voting competition that lets the public be the judge.

"Up-and Comer" Award- InContext Solutions for its 3D virtual store experience that can be used to simulate virtually any retail environment. 

The ten winners of the 2010 Chicago Innovation Awards are:

• Chicago Transit Authority for Bus Tracker—bringing accurate bus arrival times to cell phones and computers.
• MSJI for HydroRight—allowing inexpensive and easy conversion of toilets to dual flush systems.
• Molex Incorporated for Circular MT Expanded Beam Interconnect—delivering repeatable optical performance for robotic surgeries.
• Smart Medical Technology, Inc. for Liftaem Patient Transfer System—enabling swift and comfortable patient transfers in hospital settings.
• USG Corporation for SHEETROCK Brand Ultralight Panels—reducing the weight of wallboard without sacrificing strength.
• crowdSpring—delivering an online crowd-sourcing marketplace for a wide array of creative work.
• Lextech Labs for iRa C3—providing an intuitive video command center through mobile platforms.
• SoCore Energy for Solar Rental Service and SunLock—reducing the cost of solar energy systems through modular mounting systems and rental service.
• Master Lock Company for Speed Dial—changing the way that combination locks will be used in the future through a directional combination system.
• Abbott for ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combination Test—speeding information about HIV infection and so helping stem the spread of infection.

About TechAmerica

TechAmerica is the leading voice for the U.S. technology industry – the driving force behind productivity growth and jobs creation in the United States and the foundation of the global innovation economy. Representing approximately 1,200 member companies of all sizes from the public and commercial sectors of the economy, it is the industry's largest advocacy organization and is dedicated to helping members' top and bottom lines. TechAmerica is also the technology industry's only grassroots-to-global advocacy network, with offices in state capitals around the United States, Washington, D.C., Europe (Brussels) and Asia (Beijing).It was formed by the merger of AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association), the Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA), the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) and the Government Electronics & Information Technology Association (GEIA).Learn more about TechAmerica at www.techamerica.org.

SOURCE TechAmerica