Governor O'Malley Addresses Tech Council of Maryland at 20th Annual Awards Celebration
BETHESDA, MD (May 15, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley this evening will be the keynote speaker and will join Maryland’s technology industry at the Tech Council of Maryland’s 20th Annual Dinner and Tech Awards Celebration. The event, which is being held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., is considered the largest and most prestigious awards ceremony in the Mid-Atlantic region celebrating the accomplishments emerging from the technology and biotechnology community.
In his remarks, Governor O’Malley praised the technology industry for their steadfast lobbying efforts to repeal the computer services sales tax and challenged them to build on the heightened awareness and positive momentum that the issue created.
“This evening is not only a great opportunity to honor the best and brightest in Maryland’s technology industry, but also to recognize the Tech Council for the tremendous effort they led to repeal the computer services sales tax,” said Governor O’Malley. “This issue energized and focused Maryland’s technology industry like never before, and their efforts proved that good people, united in common purpose, can accomplish just about anything.”
The computer tax was introduced during last year’s special session called to resolve the State’s $1.7 billion structural deficit that was left by the previous administration. The tax, not part of the Governor’s original proposal to close the massive deficit, was ultimately repealed thanks to the administration and industry advocates.
Governor O’Malley expressed in his remarks the importance of building on the accomplishments made over the last fifteen months, and continuing to work together with business and community leaders alike in moving Maryland forward.
“Over these last fifteen months, together we have begun to not only leverage our tremendous assets, but also to articulate our strategic vision. Now, we have to continue to build on the creativity of our people, our greatest strength, to keep our momentum going,” said Governor O’Malley. “We are working hard to develop a major, multi-year initiative to make Maryland a national epicenter of innovation and entrepreneurship. And to ensure we are heading in the right direction, we need your help. Creating those high-skilled jobs, boosting research and development, advancing new discoveries all depend on your continued support and guidance.”
“The Tech Council of Maryland is so pleased that Governor Martin O'Malley is joining 860 of Maryland's technology and biotechnology leaders at our Annual Dinner and Tech Awards Celebration,” said Julie Coons, Chief Executive Officer of the Tech Council of Maryland. “In particular, our more than 500 members appreciate the Governor's support for a repeal of the computer services sales tax. His leadership on this issue is truly what turned the tide and led to a complete repeal of the computer services sales tax.”
The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) is the largest technology trade serving the advanced technology and biotechnology communities of Maryland. TCM’s mission is to advocate for the interests of the technology community, further the role of technology in the Maryland economy, and nurture an environment where technology companies can collaborate, grow and succeed. For more information, visit www.techcouncilmd.com
