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Department's Trade, Intellectual Property, Export Control, Tech Agendas Essential to US Economic Recovery and Global Competitiveness

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following today's announcement that President Obama intends to nominate former Gov. Gary Locke as the next Secretary of Commerce, the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) released the following statement welcoming the news:

"Gov. Locke will be an excellent addition to President Obama's cabinet," noted Ken Wasch, President of SIIA. "With his executive experience, and coming from a state that has the most manufacturing export-related jobs of any in the country, Gov. Locke understands the need for America to compete in the global economic marketplace."

"The Department's agenda -- ensuring quality patents, opening markets and removing barriers to trade, advancing our technology base, and implementing export controls consistent with our need to remain competitive globally -- are an essential part of our nation's economic recovery," added Mark Bohannon, SIIA's General Counsel & SVP for Public Policy. "The technology industry is vital to restoring America's economic strength, and we look forward to working with Gov. Locke and his team in the years ahead."

About SIIA Government Affairs

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection for more than 500 leading software and information companies. As a leader in the Government Affairs arena, SIIA supports enactment of effective domestic and foreign intellectual property laws that protect the rights of IP owners and allow for effective enforcement of those rights. For further information, visit www.siia.net.