The long list of technology trade associations in town could go down by one more if AeA, formerly known as the American Electronics Association, successfully merges with the Electronic Components Association. AeA announced today that the two groups have agreed to enter into merger discussions in order to provide more "depth and offer an enhanced value model for members by creating an organization with greater clout, enabling access to a larger market, and expanding the scope of products and services currently available to members."

AeA Chairperson Peter Boni said in a statement that the merger continues a consolidation trend already underway in the technology association sector. National Journal published a story in October about the possibility that more tech trade groups could merge because of pressure from the weakening economy. Just two years ago, the high-tech sector reportedly had about 40 trade associations.

                                                                                                        -- Winter Casey