EMSI Forum to Address Key Issues, Set Framework for New Organization.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 19, 2003

The Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA) has set the agenda for an April 29 meeting in San Jose that will provide a forum for EMS senior managers to address issues and set the groundwork for a new industry organization.

"There's tremendous value in bringing together companies of all sizes to discuss issues and formulate strategies," says Mike McGuire, vice president of sales and business development for Plexus, a leading EMS company. "A major issue we need to address is supply chain utilization. Contract manufacturing has taken more than its fair share of blame for supply problems. An organization representing our industry will allow us to communicate with a uniform voice."

The EMSI Forum will be held at the Wyndham San Jose Hotel. Morning sessions are open to EMS companies and their OEM and distribution partners. Tom Dinges of J.P. Morgan will present the Wall Street perspective of EMS; Andrew Maclellan, editor of EBN, and Steve Cholas, group director of CMP World Wide Media, will give the media perspective on EMS; and Lloyd Kaplan, vice president of iSuppli, will analyze EMS from an industry perspective.

The afternoon sessions are open to EMS companies only. They will give EMS representatives the opportunity to exchange views, define issues, and set in motion the activities for forming an association.

"EMS has been hindered by conflicting market forces and no central representation," says Bob Willis, ECA president. "These issues were easily overlooked when growth was in double digits. But over the last two years, they have become inescapable. This forum will be the first step in giving EMS companies a platform to identify problems and opportunities, collaborate with others in the marketplace, and implement programs and services that serve their best interests."

EMSI companies and partners interested in attending the EMSI Forum can contact ECA at 703-907-7070 or visit http://www.ec-central.org/ems_reg.htm for more information or to register. Registration is $250, which can be applied to membership in the official EMSI organization when it is formed.

The Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA) represents manufacturers and producers of passive and active electronic components, component arrays and assemblies, and materials and support services. It is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), comprising more than 2,100 members that represent 80 percent of the $550 billion U.S. electronics industry. ECA members benefit from a dynamic link into a network of programs and activities in areas such as business and technical information, market research trends and analysis, access to industry and government leaders, technical and education training, and others. For more information, visit www.ec-central.org.