AeANET : AeA New York Council -- About Us

The New York Council serves all AeA members based in New York State. We are proud to be the voice of the high-technology industry in the Empire State which, as reported in AeA�s Cyberstates Update, is our nation�s 3rd largest high-tech employer, with over 360,000 workers.

The New York Council provides high-tech companies with access to AeA's innovative services, networking opportunities, and a broad array of products to help you grow and compete in this ever-changing high-technology marketplace.

AeA NY Council provides its members continuous information on the latest legislative and regulatory matters facing our industry through the AeA NY Legislative Alert Newsletter and special announcements when appropriate. We offer a strong voice for our membership in Albany, to ensure that the high-tech industry is represented and heard on state legislative issues. We also work closely with our national policy team to communicate with the Congressional Delegation hailing from New York. These efforts ensure that the needs of the local technology community are represented on both the state and national level. Our State Government Affairs Page will provide you with information on current legislative activities.

Regionally, we host events for all High Tech functional responsibility areas including CEO's, CFO's, HR Executives, TQM and many more. These events serve as a vehicle to network, share information, and discuss issues and solutions with your peers. We offer seminars on topics ranging from International Trade to Mergers and Acquisitions. To find out more information, please go to our Committee and Event pages.

We also serve as a clearinghouse for information. We provide our members with timely information on state and federal programs that high-tech companies can take advantage of. Our staff can also help in cutting government red tape by providing you with the information you need or directing you to the proper channels and contacts to assist you.

AeA�s New York Council is ready to serve you! Please enjoy our web site, and we welcome you to call us with any questions you may have. If you would like information regarding membership or any issue, please email Justin Wright, our Executive Director or call 518.437.8820.

Our primary purpose is helping our members� top and bottom lines
by providing the following services:

Chairman Michael Hickey Chief Operating Office MapInfo Corporation	Michael Hickey is currently on the national Board of Directors for AeA and serves as Chairman for AeA�s New York Council Executive Committee. Mr. Hickey is the Chief Operating Office of the Mapinfo Corporation, responsible for worldwide operations. In this capacity, Hickey leads MapInfo�s global efforts to align all resources (people, process and systems) to most effectively drive the company�s global growth strategy. Functionally, Hickey has responsibility for each of MapInfo�s Strategic Geographic Business Units, Sales, Marketing, Product Management and Data. Read full biography

Justin Wright Executive Director AeA New York Council P: 518.437.8820 F: 518.437.8821	Justin Wright is Executive Director of the New York Council of AeA. In this position, he works closely with high-technology companies throughout the state to stimulate innovation, increase business opportunities, reduce operating costs and optimize their operations. Prior to joining AeA Mr. Wright worked for the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce in Albany, NY, where he served as Director of Economic Development from 2002 - 2005. In that position, he implemented the New York Tech Valley Initiative, a regional economic development strategy aimed at the attraction and retention of technology companies into eighteen Eastern NY counties. Prior to this position, he was the Economic Development Specialist for Technology and Manufacturing for the Albany-Colonie Chamber. Before relocating to Albany, he was the Government Relations Coordinator for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership in Buffalo, NY, where his responsibilities included lobbying the NY legislature, policy analysis, and project coordination. Mr. Wright received a BA from Buffalo State and also studied abroad in Istanbul, Turkey.

For more information on the many benefits, programs and services of the AeA New York Council, contact Justin Wright at 518.437.8820.