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About TIA
Introduction
We're New Mexico's first-ever association representing private-sector
high-tech. We are a trade association called Technology Industries
Association of New Mexico (TIA). TIA is made up both of individual
companies and entire specific-sector tech associations.
The composition of TIA's board of directors
shows the broad array of technology in New Mexico and how TIA
seeks to represent the interests of all.
TIA's mission is to determine what the diverse sectors within
New Mexico private-sector high tech need in terms of enlightened
public policy -- in such categories as education, telecommunications
and taxation - and to communicate those interests to the general
public and the policy-makers. TIA also seeks to inform the media,
the public and the policy-makers about our industry in general,
because so little is known about our activities when compared
with traditional industries that have been operating in New Mexico
for many decades or even centuries.
Our members say they believe our industry is the key to building
a stronger, more prosperous economy in New Mexico, pointing
out that TIA companies are likely to feature the following:
- High growth rates
- High paying jobs
- Challenging professions with a future
- High dollar investments buildings and equipment
- A stronger tax base
- Export of technologies made here to strengthen the economy
TIA's Goal
Although advanced technology is not new to New Mexico, for years
it existed mainly in Federal R&D environments such as Los
Alamos, Sandia and White Sands and at one-of-a-kind facilities
such as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Very Large
Array radio telescope. In more recent years those advanced Federal
installations have been joined by private sector high tech that
is relatively new, growing fast, and already a major part of the
state's economy and overall cultural and social environment. Yet,
many New Mexicans are scarcely aware of the rich diversity of
the high tech private sector in our state, how much it contributes
to the economy, the career opportunities it offers, and its public
policy needs.
TIA's main mission is to educate the public, media, government
and other industries about private high tech's many and growing
contributions and unique needs. TIA is a landmark for New Mexico's
high tech industry - the first time technology industries have
formed an umbrella organization just for them.
Other technology areas in the United States such as California's
famed Silicon Valley are known worldwide - but primarily for one
main technology specialization. New Mexico's technology spectrum
is perhaps the most diverse of any "high tech area"
in the United States. This diversity is reflected in TIA's membership,
which ranges from small but highly advanced laser research companies
to multinational computer chip corporations.
TIA member companies range in size from a handful of employees
to thousands - but they represent cutting-edge, innovative techniques,
and…
- Employ thousands of New Mexicans directly and thousands more
via contracted services.
- Have an annual payroll of hundreds of millions of dollars.
- Add additional hundreds of millions per year to the New Mexico
economy by purchasing local goods and services
- Pay state and local taxes of tens of millions of dollars.
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