Since the merger of AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association) and the Information Technology Association of America closed on Jan. 1, the two groups have been working on building a successful marriage.

As part of that effort, unsurprisingly, they have a new name: The Technology Association of America. They have also been "fleshing out a brand initiative," says spokesman Charlie Greenwald. He adds that the new group has been working on communicating the new brand to member companies.

In addition, the tech associations are celebrating their unity tonight with a Capitol Hill reception hosted by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif.  Intel CEO and President Paul Otellini will be a "special guest" at the event, says the invitation. (For more on Otellini's trip to Washington, check out Tech Daily Dose's story here.)

The new federal lobbying team for the Technology Association of America will be headed by Josh Lamel, who joined ITAA in May of 2008 as a vice president for Internet, telecom, technology policy, and the commercial sector. Lamel previously served as chief of staff to Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla., and legislative counsel to Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. The group has 15 registered lobbyists working on federal issues. Roxanne Gould, who has been AeA's senior vice president for state government affairs, will be heading the group's extensive state lobbying operation, says Greenwald.

The combined staff of the Technology Association of America (nicknamed "TechAmerica") totals about 100, making it "the largest tech policy advocacy organization in the industry," says Greenwald.

The new group could become even bigger. TechAmerica has been in merger discussions with the Electronic Components Association, says a source. National Journal wrote about the possibility of more tech association mergers here.

(Photo of Eshoo by Liz Lynch)

                                                                                                                -- Winter Casey