SAN JOSE, CA (October 2, 2023) – The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) – the leading business association representing the innovation economy and its ecosystem – today congratulated Laphonza Butler on her historic appointment as California’s next United States Senator. SVLG CEO Ahmad Thomas also invited her to participate in a Fireside Chat in Silicon Valley to drive dialogue and further engagement on the issues most important to the region and the broader innovation economy.
The following is the text of the letter from SVLG CEO Ahmad Thomas to Senator-Appointee Butler:
Dear Ms. Butler,
I write on behalf of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) to offer my warmest congratulations on your historic appointment to the United States Senate by California Governor Gavin Newsom. It is vital that California be well-represented during this time, and I have no doubt that you will stand up for the communities and people of our great state.
I would also like to extend an invitation to join me for a fireside chat in Silicon Valley. Innovation is the economic engine of our state and our nation. Our diverse membership includes the leading global technology companies that span the breadth and depth of our innovation ecosystem – from the earliest-stage startups to the most iconic companies in the world.
This is a critical moment for our community. New technologies developed here in Silicon Valley are changing our world and helping to address major societal challenges. This includes the development of responsible AI tools and platforms, clean energy technologies reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and biotech innovations that save lives every day.
Meanwhile, there’s more that the Silicon Valley community must do to advance affordable housing and address homelessness, ensure diversity in the boardroom and at all levels of our corporations, and throughout the innovation workforce, and ease the transportation challenges in our community.
We’d love to discuss these issues and more at a public event with our members.
Finally, on a personal note, I’d like to wish you all the best on your appointment today and swearing-in later this week. I had the honor of working with Senator Feinstein in Washington, DC, and I know well the rigors of representing our nation’s most diverse and populous state.
Please do not hesitate to call on me or the Silicon Valley Leadership Group as a ready resource as you become California’s next senator.
Sincerely,
Ahmad Thomas
CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
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About the Silicon Valley Leadership Group:
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) is the leading business association representing the innovation economy and its ecosystem. Founded by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, SVLG has worked for 45 years to address issues that affect the region’s economic health and quality of life. Today, SVLG Is focused on accelerating the next era of Silicon Valley leadership, activated by our three new Centers of Expertise (COE). Innovation & Technology, Sustainable Growth, and Inclusion & Belonging. SVLG members collectively provide nearly one of every three private sector jobs in Silicon Valley and contribute more than $3 trillion to the worldwide economy. For more information, visit svlg.org.
Press Contact:
Laura Wilkinson
SVP, Head of Communications
Ph: 669.319.2857
press@svlg.org
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