The Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Optics Industry Association (AOIA) have signed a collaborative agreement to form the Arizona Optics Industry Committee for industry advocacy. The committee will promote the interests of the industry by holding optics-focused events and lobbying for legislative policy at local, state and federal levels. The committee also aims to develop a roadmap for the optics industry sector in Arizona and use the council’s established leadership and infrastructure to address critical issues. “The council has proven its ability to be an advocate and collective voice for science and technology companies throughout our state,” said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. “By working together with the AOIA, we are well-positioned to refocus the agenda and industry ecosystem to grow the optics-industry hub that has long existed in Arizona.” The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies. With a diverse professional business community, the council’s members work to further advance technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. “We are excited to leverage our history of success and leadership with the Council’s statewide reach,” said Bob Breault, president of the Arizona Optics Industry Association. “The Council’s membership base is diverse, which, in the end, will benefit our members. The agreement we have reached is really the next step in our vision. We want industry leaders connected and working together on a mix of very diverse projects all here in Arizona.” The AOIA is a nonprofit organization which acts to foster the continued growth of the optics industry in Arizona. Members are part of more than 300 companies and organizations covering a broad range of products and services statewide, contributing approximately $2.2 billion per year to the state’s economy. “Our goal is to catalyze, convene and connect the optics industry sector across Arizona, building on AOIA's long-term success,” said Alex Rodriguez, vice president of the Arizona Technology Council’s Southern Arizona office. “We look forward to playing an integral part of the ongoing collaboration between Tucson’s optics companies and The University of Arizona’s College of Optical Sciences. The college graduates more highly qualified scientists with master’s and doctorate degrees than any other in the nation and our desire is to keep them right here in Arizona. The Council and the optics companies are in a terrific position to continue to build momentum for this vital Arizona industry.”