Congresswoman McCollum Meets with Fourth District Technology Leaders to Discuss Sector’s Role in Economy and Minnesota's Future
For Immediate Release: September 13, 2010
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
St. Paul, MN - Earlier today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) met with representatives from the high-tech sector to discuss its economic potential in Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District and the rest of the state. This event was hosted by Cray, a supercomputer company, and organized by the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA). During the dialogue, Congresswoman McCollum aimed to build a stronger relationship with the technology sector and the federal government, especially as it pertains to creativity, job creation, innovation, and economic growth.
"The high-tech sector is essential to Minnesota's economy for today and tomorrow," said Congresswoman McCollum. "From providing high-paying, high-skilled jobs to manufacturing products that contain the latest innovative technology, this industry needs a stronger partnership with the federal government. Together we can work together to build that partnership so that we can unlock the potential of high-tech innovation and refocus our economy on productivity."
In addition to discussing how the technology sector can improve the economy, roundtable participants also voiced their concerns on current public policy issues, some of which Congress is currently considering. Those topics included broadband, patent reform, role of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education.
"MHTA applauds Congresswoman McCollum for her leadership on these issues," said Peter Lindstrom, MHTA vice president of public affairs. "By working together we can boost economic growth for this vital part of Minnesota's economy."
The event was attended by many prominent technology companies in Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, including Cray, Instrumental, Shavlik Technologies, Unisys, HB Fuller, Global Traffic Technologies, Thomson Reuters, Primordial, Remmele, McAfee, GovDelivery, and Twin Star Medical.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum currently serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees. She represents Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District.
The MHTA promotes the growth, sustainability and global competitiveness of Minnesota's technology-based economy through advocacy, collaboration and education.
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