Initiative Highlights Illinois High-Tech Companies and Statewide Illinois Technology Index OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In continuation with ongoing efforts to raise visibility for the high-tech industry in Illinois, AeA, the nation's largest high-tech trade association, along with Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and several high-tech executives, will convene in New York City to open the NASDAQ Stock Market on Monday. The event, arranged by AeA, will also emphasize the recently-launched Illinois Technology Index (ILTI) -- the first statewide public technology index in the United States, developed to promote Illinois' leading technology companies and the outstanding technology resources within the state. "The ILTI brings focus to the exciting and high-quality technology companies in our state," said Marty Singer, PCTEL's Chairman and CEO and the Chair of AeA's Midwest Council. "Outstanding universities, a supportive state government, and significant banking and venture resources support entrepreneurial initiatives in communications, biotech, alternative fuels, information technology, high-tech manufacturing, and life sciences." "Improving technology is critical to the social and economic development of our state," said Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, who serves as chairman of the Illinois Broadband Deployment Council. "On behalf of the people of Illinois, I salute our innovative technology companies on the launch of the Illinois Technology Index. Their leadership and hard work will create advancements in high-speed communication, alternative energy and health care." In May 2008, AeA and The NASDAQ Stock Market unveiled the ILTI. The public-private partnership was supported by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Grant Thornton LLP, Baker & McKenzie, and the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO), and tracks all public companies headquartered in Illinois from major sectors including high tech manufacturing, information technology, biotech, alternative fuels, and life sciences. "Opening the NASDAQ market further demonstrates AeA's ongoing dedication to promote Illinois' high-tech industry," said Ed Longanecker, Executive Director of AeA's Midwest Council. "We must support innovation and growth in this critical industry. High-tech positions command higher salaries and these companies attract investment and talent to the state." 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: Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ (GS): MDRX); Baker & McKenzie LLP; Cabot Microelectronics Corporation (NASDAQ (GS): CCMP); comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): SCOR); Fuel Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): FTEK); Grant Thornton LLP; InnerWorkings, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): INWK); Littelfuse, Inc. (NASDAQ (GS): LFUS); Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ (GS): MSFT); PCTEL, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): PCTI); Shure Inc.; Silicon Valley Bank; SNTial Technologies, Inc.; Supply-Chain Services, Inc.; Tellabs, Inc. (NASDAQ (GS): TLAB); Telular Corporation (NASDAQ (GM): WRLS); thincSoft; Trading Technologies International, Inc.; VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (NASDAQ (GM): VDSI); World Business Chicago; and Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ (GS): ZBRA). For more information about AeA's efforts on behalf of the high-tech industry in Illinois, please visit http://www.aeanet.org/midwest. About AeA Founded in 1943 by David Packard, AeA, the nation's largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, is dedicated solely to helping our members' top line and bottom line. We do 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. For more information, please visit http://www.aeanet.org/. For more information, please contact: Ed Longanecker Executive Director, AeA's Midwest Council 630.613.7174 DATASOURCE: AeA CONTACT: Ed Longanecker of AeA, +1-630-613-7174, Web Site: http://www.aeanet.org/

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