Washington Legislative Expert To Discuss Challenges Facing The Technology Industry in 2003 at February Forum; Chairman of AeA National Board of Directors to Speak With South Florida Leaders

Business Wire, Feb 3, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 2003

The chairman of the AeA National Board of Directors will provide insight into the 108th Congress and the legislative challenges facing the technology industry in 2003 at the AeA Florida Council's Technology Leadership Forum on February 11 in Fort Lauderdale.

Business representatives are invited to hear AeA National Board of Directors Chairman, Richard Cook, CEO of MAPICS, offer a candid look at the business implications of the coming legislative session. Some of the issues he is scheduled to discuss include:

-- Economic Growth/Tax Policy - Provisions that would increase investments in high-tech products and revive the economy

-- Export Administration Act - How to avoid unnecessary and burdensome rules and regulations while protecting national security

-- International Tax Reform - updates needed to recognize the new realities of the marketplace

-- Technology Policy - Federal legislation that would ensure regulatory parity among high-speed information services

-- Stock Options - IRS implementation of regulations requiring payroll tax withholding on qualified stock plans

The Technology Leadership Forum will be held on Tuesday, February 11, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel at 1617 South East 17th St. in Fort Lauderdale. The cost to attend is $50 for AeA Members and $60 for non-members. Responses are due back by February 7, 2003 to Jennifer Sheehan or Maryann Fiala at 954/977-6381. Registration is available on line at: http://www.aeanet.org/events/eventsStart.asp?meeting=FL020301

About the AeA

Advancing the business of technology, AeA is the nation's largest high-tech trade association. AeA represents more than 3,500 member companies that span the high-technology spectrum, from software, semiconductors and computers to Internet technology, advanced electronics and telecommunications systems and services. With 18 regional U.S. councils and offices in Brussels and Beijing, AeA offers a unique global policy grassroots capability and a wide portfolio of valuable business services and products for the high-tech industry. AeA has been the accepted voice of the U.S. technology community since 1943.