Award for Innovation & Vision in Government Presented to Maria Contreras-Sweet, Secretary of the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency by the GTC and the Center for Digital Government.

Business Editors

SACRAMENTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 2003

An award for "Innovation & Vision in Government" was given Monday to Maria Contreras-Sweet, Secretary of the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. The award was the first-ever of its kind to be given by the 17th annual Government Technology Conference (GTC) and the Center for Digital Government.

In presenting the award, Carlos Ramos, Director of Teale Data Center and Advisory Board Chair for GTC 2003 said: "Secretary Contreras-Sweet was selected for this award because of her demonstrated leadership in government and her vision for a better California. In selecting the first ever award recipient, it was important to choose someone that not only embodies the characteristics of leadership, innovation and vision personally, but that also has the ability to foster and enable those characteristics in others."

In 2002, Secretary Contreras-Sweet led an economic summit that brought Governor Davis together with business leaders, elected officials, labor leaders and economists from throughout the state to discuss California's economy and to identify measures for job creation and economic growth.

Within the Administration, she has been the catalyst and a staunch advocate for making sure State government reaches out to foster and promote the development of small business.

Under Secretary Contreras-Sweet's leadership, the departments within her agency have similarly stepped up to the challenge:

-- The Department of Managed Health Care has become a showcase in

the use of information technologies to enhance constituent 

service and consumer protection.

-- Both CHP and Caltrans have effectively implemented information

technology solutions to advance transportation, trucking and

traffic safety.

-- The DMV has embraced technology, which has helped it to

achieve its own transformation. You may now order Special

Interest and Personalized plates online as well as renew your

vehicle's registration.

GTC is the largest and most respected information technology conference for state and local government. The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute providing government, industry and education leaders with decision support; research and educational resources to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century. Governor Gray Davis appointed Contreras-Sweet Secretary in January of 1999. For information contact Mark Desio, California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency PIO at 916.323.5389 or [e-mail].