Science Committee to host Congressional Hearing in McKinney Sept. 14 on 'Strengthening Regional Innovation'

MCKINNEY, TX – On Monday, September 14, 2009 from 9:00am – 11:00am the House Science and Technology Committee will hold a hearing in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, Texas.

The hearing, titled, Strengthening Regional Innovation: A Perspective from Northeast Texas, will examine the importance of regional innovation centers to the U.S. economy and global competitiveness and the roles of Federal, state, and local governments in supporting such centers. Witnesses representing key components of the North Texas innovation economy will testify.

The hearing is being held at the request of the Committee’s Ranking Republican Member, Congressman Ralph Hall (TX-4). “As we work our way through this recession, there is a growing realization that innovation is the key to long-term economic growth and prosperity, not only nationally but regionally as well,” Hall said. “Northeast Texas is a model of success in this regard, and I’m excited for the opportunity to highlight the region’s science and technology enterprise and hear from our top business and academic leaders on how the Federal government can improve innovation-related policies and investments.”

WHAT: Congressional hearing examining regional innovation

WHO: The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology

WHERE: The Ceremonial Courtroom of the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, TX

WHEN: Monday September 14, 2009 from 9:00am – 11:00am Central Time - local

WITNESSES

Dr. Cary Israel, President, Collin County Community College;

Dr. Dan Jones, President, Texas A&M University-Commerce;

Mr. Patrick Humm, President, Hie Electronics;

Dr. Martin Izzard, Vice President and Director, Digital Signal Processing Solutions R&D Center, Texas Instruments;

Mr. Bill Sproull, Vice-Chairman, Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee; and

Mr. Tom Luce, Chief Executive Officer, National Math and Science Initiative.