PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 14, 2000
Contact Gino DiCaro
(916) 498-3347

CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION CHANGES NAME TO REFLECT ROLE OF 'TECHNOLOGY' IN ECONOMY
'CMTA' Addresses High Tech Issues at State Capitol

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Manufacturers Association announced today that it will change its name to the "California Manufacturers and Technology Association" (CMTA) acknowledging that technology plays an increasing role in manufacturing and processing.

"The name change will heighten the association’s role as the lead advocate for California’s diverse manufacturing community. It shows that we are not only a 'bricks and mortar' association, but recognize and embrace the importance of the New Economy," said Jack M. Stewart, President of CMTA. "As we continue to defend against higher taxes, red tape and excessive regulatory costs, we will also revitalize and enhance our focus on the emerging technology issues that are critical to California's manufacturers.

Stewart explained, "After a comprehensive review, the CMA board of directors decided to add ‘Technology’ to our name to reflect the fact that technology plays an integral role in keeping manufacturers competitive and that high tech companies are making a huge contribution to California's growing economy."

"Ten years ago, in fact, many viewed technology as nothing more than a DOS-based word processor used for administrative purposes in the corporate office. Today, technology has migrated to the factory floor and is responsible for increasing productivity at an exponential rate and creating networks that move commerce at breakneck speed."

Secretary Lon Hatamiya of the California Trade and Commerce Agency said, "Technology is now synonymous with California, as companies throughout the state are either developing or benefiting from advances in the high tech industry.

"Developments in technology," said Hatamiya, "are allowing companies to have a profound, long-term impact on the state's economy. The fact that the association is changing its name to include 'Technology' is a logical and forward-thinking step." He noted that the Trade and Commerce Agency recently created the new Division of Science, Technology & Innovation to better reflect the changing face of California business.

Hatamiya also noted that California’s position as a manufacturing leader is continuing to grow. In recent years the state has stepped up its attraction of new manufacturing expansions. During 1999, for instance,the Golden State registered 432 new manufacturing projects to lead the nation for the second straight year.

The California Manufacturers Association has represented California manufacturers and food processors in the State Capitol since its founding in 1918.

"I applaud the CMTA for taking this key step to acknowledge the integral role technology plays in our lives," said Bill Spain, Senior Vice President of charter member Del Monte Foods. "Indeed, technology is the single common success factor underpinning all manufacturers, including food processors. New technologies have kept Del Monte
competitive, and we salute those trade associations that recognize what's essential for us to be productive in today's global market."

Stewart added, "To effectively advocate for our members, we need to address the issues of the new technology driven universe. Internet taxes, bandwidth, the Digital Divide, Permanent Normal Trade Relations for China, and Research and Development tax credits stand to be landmark issues for manufacturers, and CMTA is going to continue to be there at the forefront making sure their concerns are well represented in the state capitol."

"As we help to create sensible policy at the State Capitol, we find a growing strategic need for organizations like CMTA to augment our efforts," said Richard Hall, Director of Corporate Government Affairs at Intel. "California's economic expansion is well served by an association with such a long history of legislative victories and political capital."

CMTA will publicly unveil its new name and logo on March 20 in the Sacramento Convention Center at the annual Gala as the association honors its Manufacturers of the Century – Chevron, Del Monte Foods, Intel and Northrop Grumman. The award recipients were selected for their role in the manufacturing industry in four categories: raw materials, food processors, high tech and aerospace.

"I can’t think of a better place to inaugurate our new name and logo than at our Gala where we will honor four companies representing California's past, present and future," said Stewart. "Each of the honorees understands the importance of productivity, the technology that allowed them to achieve their current success and the certainty that new innovations will lead them to achieve continued growth."

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