Leading Tech Groups Commend Senator Durbin for Supporting Continued R&D, Innovation in Illinois

CHICAGO, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- TechAmerica, the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, and iBIO commend Senator Durbin for highlighting the connection between research, innovation and job growth during his tour of Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) yesterday. All organizations supported and participated in the meeting to raise awareness of the importance of research and development in Illinois, and to our national economy.

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During the morning tour, Senator Dick Durbin acknowledged that our nation has considerable budget challenges to consider. But, in noting these challenges, he also said that America's economic role and continued leadership on the global stage is driven, in part, by our historical success in turning the research of today into the industries of tomorrow. Neil Kane, President, Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. (ADT), also participated in the meeting and stressed the importance of technologies being created in Illinois' leading R&D facilities. ADT's nanocrystalline diamond technology originated in Argonne National Laboratory and is now licensed for commercial use.

"Research and development is the cornerstone of innovation in our economy," said Ed Longanecker, Executive Director, TechAmerica. "Illinois has one of the most productive concentrations of R&D in the world with thousands of high-quality jobs connected to these critical institutions that are developing the technology and industries of tomorrow."

"We thank Senator Durbin for recognizing that research, development and innovation are vital to economic prosperity and job growth," said Matthew Summy, President of the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition. "We look forward to working with Senator Durbin and his colleagues to showcase the benefits of research and illustrate why continued investment is essential to job growth and economic prosperity."

"iBIO applauds the efforts of Senator Durbin to maintain funding for this important research center," commented David Miller, President & CEO of the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization. "Such basic research has been cited by the National Academies of Science as a primary leverage point in maintaining American leadership in innovation."

Senator Durbin was joined by ANL Director Eric Isaacs, Fermilab Director Piermaria Oddone, University of Chicago President Robert Zimmer and private industry leaders to learn about advancements in battery research that are driving the auto industry transition to electric vehicles, life sciences research that contribute to the development of new diagnostics and therapies that will help ease suffering through early detection or improved treatments, high performance computing and software, and advancements in nanotechnologies.

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.

About ISTC

The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition cultivates economic development in Illinois by increasing resources for research & development (R&D) initiatives at Illinois-based institutions and businesses. The ISTC, a not-for-profit membership organization, is home to the Illinois Innovation Council. www.istcoalition.org.

About iBIO

iBIO's mission is to make Illinois and the surrounding Midwest one of the world's top life sciences centers: a great place to do business, and a great place to grow new technology ventures. iBIO promotes sound public policy at the local, state, and federal levels; improves our region's ability to create, attract, and retain businesses; and orchestrates industry involvement to help solve America's math and science education crisis. We thereby contribute to the well-being of people worldwide through agricultural, bio-industrial and medical applications while creating new jobs, wealth, and prosperity.

SOURCE TechAmerica

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