Strengthening Support of the Illinois Technology Industry, ITDA Extends Legacy Grant to ITA

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - September 14, 2009) - In a move to expand services to the Illinois technology community, the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) today agreed to accept a grant from the Illinois Technology Development Alliance (ITDA). The ITDA grant will enable the ITA to extend a greater breadth of programs and events to support Illinois' technology industry. In addition, the joining of missions between the two organizations will reduce duplication of services and provide a single source of support for a wide breadth of technology companies in Illinois.

"ITDA has always been about strengthening the Illinois region's technology-based economy," said John Noel, ITDA President. "We have done that by making entrepreneurs better, faster and smarter with education, networking and resources that help them grow businesses. The ITA has a great plan for doing even more for entrepreneurs, so we're excited to see our tradition continue and gain momentum under the ITA banner."

Under the grant agreement, members of both organizations will benefit from ITA's robust set of programs supporting Illinois technology companies, as well as ITDA's programs that provide expertise and contacts to technology entrepreneurs. Bringing together the respective programs and members will provide a stronger platform on which to deliver expanded services to the Illinois technology community.

"In discussing the landscape of organizations designed to support Illinois technology firms, our respective boards found that ITA could complement ITDA program offerings," said ITA President Fred Hoch. "We look forward to continuing and enhancing ITDA's programs for entrepreneurs."

"This is an opportunity to align two organizations that have complementary missions, resulting in a stronger set of tools and support to the technology community," explained Terry Howerton, Chairman of ITA.

About the ITA

The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) represents the interests of a diverse membership of more than 550 companies in Illinois that create, deploy and utilize information technology as a core part of their organization. By connecting members with industry peers and participants, providing the latest strategic information, market research and critical market insight and by promoting key thought leaders to raise visibility and gain a greater market awareness and presence, ITA is focused on building and developing the Illinois technology community through collaboration. Additional information is available at www.illinoistech.org.

About the ITDA

The Illinois Technology Development Alliance delivers commercialization services to entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas, inventions, and intellectual property that can be developed into scalable, technology businesses. They apply expertise and leverage their national network of contacts, relationships, and resources to help high technology businesses in Illinois and the surrounding regions gain traction and grow.

Contact Information: Contact: Fred Hoch President, Illinois Technology Association +1.312.924.1062 fhoch@illinoistech.org