WHEREAS, The Northwest Electronic Manufacturers Association, founded in 1956 by John Fluke Sr., joined together with David Packard's West Coast Manufacturing Association in 1959 to form the American Electronics Association; and
     WHEREAS, The AeA Washington Council currently represents over 175 companies in Washington which employ more than 150,000 individuals, making the Washington Council the 3rd largest and one of the most active AeA councils in the United States; and
     WHEREAS, AeA works diligently to ensure our citizens' economic future by providing access to investors who help entrepreneurs develop their ideas and support the growth of companies; and
     WHEREAS, Recognizing the important nature of health care services for individuals, AeA provides access to health insurance programs for businesses; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington Council of AeA provides ongoing business education and professional development opportunities to assist technology company leaders and employees; and
     WHEREAS, Recognizing that the economy of our state and nation is undeniably intertwined with countries around the world, AeA makes information and access to international governments available to companies and helps them gain entry into markets; and
     WHEREAS, Believing education is a vital key to quality of life and a growing economy, AeA supports excellence in education through mentoring, funding, and support of programs such as the Washington State Coalition of Engineering Education, the Leadership Assistance in Science Education Reform, and the Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement program; and
     WHEREAS, Understanding the importance of active participation in the public policy process for the good of all citizens, AeA facilitates individual and collective action to inform of government decisions; and
     WHEREAS, AeA contributes to assist the prosperity and success of companies and individuals in the high-technology business sector, and in turn supports the economy of Washington State and our country;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate encourage all citizens to join in recognizing the Washington Council of AeA for 50 years of outstanding service to the high-technology industry and look forward to what its continued success will mean to our state in the next 50 years.