Utah Technology Council President Appointed Chairman and CEO of CRITA

Business Wire, April 12, 2007

SALT LAKE CITY -- Richard R. Nelson, President and CEO of the Utah Technology Council, has been appointed Chairman and CEO of CRITA (the Council of Regional Information Technology Associations), the largest North American technology organization. In this capacity, Mr. Nelson will oversee CRITA membership, which provides regional technology associations with a significantly-expanded network of industry knowledge, trusted relationships, and access to influence public policy issues impacting the technology industry. Mr. Nelson will hold this position for two years.

"I am energized in serving as Chairman of CRITA," said Nelson. "This organization is a fantastic resource of trusted relationships which is helping us all be much more successful together. It's an ideal time for CRITA to join forces with ITAA, the premier technology organization in Washington, to work closely with Members of Congress to resolve important national technology issues."

CRITA is the largest technology association in North America, representing over 45 technology associations and councils in the United States and Canada with a combined membership of approximately 16,000 tech-related corporate members. In addition, CRITA has a new strategic alliance with the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA). Mr. Nelson will serve on the ITAA board and ITAA's CEO Phil Bond will serve on CRITA's Executive Committee (both on an ex-officio basis).

CRITA's core reason to exist is peer-to-peer, promoting the sharing of best practices and benchmarking across the organization. CRITA will leverage their state and regional organizations' influence and credibility to effect national and North American change. CRITA's two primary focus areas are workforce development and national public policy.

CRITA's new Executive Committee consists of the following CEOs: Treasurer/Secretary Matthew Nemerson - Connecticut Technology Council, Maxine Ballen - New Jersey Technology Council, LeAnn Jacobson - The Technology Association of Iowa, Kelly Lewis - Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, Tino Mantella - Technology Association of Georgia, Joyce Plotkin - The Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council, Kate Rubin - Minnesota High Tech Association, Glen Gormely - Montana Information Technology Association, Julie Coons - Technology Council of Maryland and Phil Bond - Information Technology Association of America.

About Utah Technology Council

As the premier professional organization for more than 3,900 Utah life science and IT companies, the Utah Technology Council (UTC) exists to form closer relationships with industry and community leaders, develop superior management talent, sharpen professional skills and help gain access to capital. For more information on UTC, please visit www.utahtechcouncil.org.