(From Wire Reports) CEOs from the nation’s leading technology companies, in a meeting with President Obama on Wednesday, came out strongly in support of the economic recovery package moving through Congress and called for policies that make the United States the most attractive destination for businesses, workers and capital.
CEOs from the Technology CEO Council (TCC), along with other business leaders, met at the White House to discuss how to jumpstart the economy in the near-term while creating a sound foundation that will position the United States for long-term growth.
“While our economy is struggling, America possesses the strengths that we will need to lead a global recovery and create a more prosperous and secure future,” said TCC Chairman, Mike Splinter, President and CEO of Applied Materials. “That is why it’s essential that Congress invest in the digital infrastructure in broadband, health care and energy to create near-term jobs that will shape our economy for the next generation.”
“At the heart of this debate over the economy is the question whether America will be the preferred destination for businesses to operate, entrepreneurs to start ventures, investors to make their financial bets and high-skilled workers to continue their careers,” said Greg Brown, CEO, Motorola, Inc. “President Obama understands that our economic policy must be geared towards strengthening U.S. competitiveness for the long-term.”
"It was a privilege to be part of a dialogue with President Obama regarding the importance of investing in our nation’s technology infrastructure," said Steve Appleton, Micron Chairman and CEO. "America’s technology industry has traditionally been a key component of our nation’s economic success and further investments in technology will help drive our economic recovery."
Last week, all TCC CEOs joined 120 technology business leaders in calling on Congress to approve investments in digital infrastructure as part of America’s economic recovery. In a letter to congressional leaders, the TCC CEOs said investments in health care information technology, broadband and energy smart grids “will provide our nation with a near-term stimulus and long-term comparative advantage.”
“Investments in America’s digital infrastructure will spur significant job creation in the immediate term. An investment of $40 billion in America’s IT network infrastructure in 2009 will create more than 949,000 U.S. jobs, more than half of which will be in small businesses,” wrote the business leaders.
Technology CEO Council companies generate more than $365 billion in annual revenues and employ over 950,000 workers.
Founded in 1989 and formerly known as the Computer Systems Policy Project, its members include top technology leaders from throughout the country with ties to North Carolina including Dell, EMC Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM and Intel, among others.
