|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alan Fogg,
Director of Communications
afogg@fceda.org, 703-790-0600
Fairfax County, Virginia, Shines in Global Spotlight During 1998 World Congress on Information Technology
1,800 Leaders from Around the World Gather at Internet Capital
Fairfax County, Virginia, June 22, 1998 — Today, Fairfax County, Virginia, shines in the global spotlight as 1,800 of the world’s business leaders from more than 90 countries gather for one of the most prestigious events in the international information technology community — the 1998 World Congress on Information Technology.
For three days, senior-level business executives from around the world and representing a variety of industries, governments and academia will have an unprecedented opportunity to experience Fairfax County’s many attributes as one of the fastest growing business centers in the world.
Fairfax County was awarded the 1998 World Congress on Information Technology as a result of the efforts by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) and in clear recognition of the County’s dominance in the information technology industry.
"Fairfax County has demonstrated its leadership in the development and application of information technology," said Patricia Woolsey, chairman of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. "The 1998 World Congress represents a unique and exceptional opportunity to demonstrate that Fairfax County is fast becoming the premier center for the global business community."
Known as the birthplace of the Internet and home to over 100 Internet service providers, approximately 2,000 information technology companies are located in Fairfax County—the second highest concentration of information technology firms in the United States.
With its booming information technology industry, Fairfax County is fast attracting attention as one of the world’s premier growth places for entrepreneurs in a variety of industries. Of the 26,000 payroll establishments located in the County, 95 percent are small, growing companies and 16 percent are woman-owned and/or minority-owned companies.
Along with a strong business sector, Fairfax County is one of the most diverse communities in the world; its residents collectively speak 100 languages. President Clinton recently called the County a "model of diversity."
"Fairfax County’s great quality of life is reflected in our thriving business community and our internationally acclaimed school system and universities," said Woolsey. "The fact that the 1998 World Congress and 1,800 of the world’s leaders are here demonstrates Fairfax County truly is a community that will lead in the 21st century."
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority provides services and information designed to promote Fairfax County as a business location for domestic and international companies and organizations. The FCEDA assists businesses by identifying possible sites and facilities and is a source for up-to-date demographic and economic statistics. For more information, visit the FCEDA’s Web page at www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org.
| 
