Senator George J. Mitchell to Receive 2008 Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service
Mon, 12 May 2008, 08:50:12 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
PHILADELPHIA, Pa., May 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Eisenhower Fellowships has announced that it will present the 2008 Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service to former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell. Eisenhower Chairman General Colin L. Powell USA (Retired) will present the award to Senator Mitchell at its annual board of trustees' dinner in Philadelphia on May 15, 2008.

U.S. Senate Candidate Unveils New 'Weapon' for Bringing Issues to Voters
Mon, 28 Apr 2008, 18:36:29 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
SPEARFISH, S.D., April 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Although political campaigns for national office are hideously expensive these days, you don't necessarily have to spend big to spend smart. South Dakota Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sam Kephart's campaign is employing a unique web-based technology to reach new donors and potential voters.

International Group Launches Plan For Global Commons
Wed, 05 Mar 2008, 07:39:41 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
PHILADELPHIA, Pa., March 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- An unprecedented move to gather worldwide commentary on a new 'global commons' was announced today in Berlin by an international coalition including the Philadelphia nonprofit organization, Centre for Global Negotiations.

Former American Idol Contestant Antonella Barba Becomes Spokesperson for ElectionMall's Voter Space
Tue, 04 Mar 2008, 10:11:07 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 4 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- American Idol's season six brought Antonella Barba into public view. Despite leading in Internet polling and search engines, Antonella was eliminated (sounds like a fate known by certain politicians). Now Antonella is back in the spotlight but not for glamour or show biz. The senior at Catholic University is reaching out to the new generation of voters by singing the National Anthem, promoting talking avatars, and addressing first time voters on their essential participation for a better democracy.

Martha Rose Construction, Inc. Joins U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Bodman to Launch Builders' Challenge in Orlando, Fla.
Thu, 14 Feb 2008, 09:43:04 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
ORLANDO, Fla. - Feb. 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Martha Rose Construction, Inc., joined today with U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to announce a new national energy-saving initiative - the U.S. Department of Energy's Builders Challenge. Martha Rose was at the Builders Challenge kick-off event held at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida.

ElectionMall, Google, and Iowa GOP Provide Real-Time Results of 2008 Iowa Caucus
Thu, 03 Jan 2008, 13:00:42 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 3 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The highly anticipated Iowa Caucus will finally take place this evening and instead of waiting for local and cable news outlets to report the results, Americans can view the Caucus results in real-time. In an historic collaboration between ElectionMall Technologies, the Iowa Republican Party, and Google; voters, bloggers and politicos will be able to view actual county breakdowns once the results are phoned in.

Black Youth Vote! National Civic Education Training Tour Promotes Voting in Iowa
Thu, 13 Dec 2007, 11:30:46 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
DES MOINES, Iowa - Dec. 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- As part of ongoing efforts to motivate young people to engage in the political process, the League of Young Voters Education Fund (LYVEF) recently teamed up with the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation's (NCBCP) Black Youth Vote! (BYV!) for an innovative civic participation training at North High School in Des Moines, IA.

Congressman Virgil Goode to Receive Stephen Dill Lee Award Wednesday
Tue, 04 Dec 2007, 09:20:37 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
ELM SPRINGS, COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Dec. 4 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Sons of Confederate Veterans Commander-in-Chief Christopher M. Sullivan will present the Stephen Dill Lee Award to Congressman Virgil Goode of Virginia at a ceremony sponsored by the Jefferson Davis Camp, #305, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Romney Agitates Confederate Descendants
Mon, 03 Dec 2007, 09:54:09 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
ELM SPRINGS, Tenn. - Dec. 3 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Sons of Confederate Veterans leader Christopher M. Sullivan issued the following statement in response to the CNN Republican debate Wednesday 28 November: Mitt Romney proposes himself to be president of the United States but last night he clearly demonstrated not only his ignorance (more).

Widgets Make Presence Felt in Politics: ElectionMall Offers New Tools to Campaigns, Bloggers, and Voters
Wed, 07 Nov 2007, 16:46:27 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Nov. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- WORLD BLOG EXPO -- Every year around end of October and beginning of November political yard-signs dot your neighbors lawn and street medians as campaigns try to increase name recognition and push to Get-Out-The-Vote on Election Day and with the 2008 elections now less than a year away, social networking sites and blogs will soon be cultured with electronic yard sign widgets.

Non-Profit Group Discovers Kentucky Commission, Historical Society, Transportation Cabinet Weren't Legal in Issuing Lincoln Specialty Plate
Mon, 05 Nov 2007, 11:31:51 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Nov. 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- It's not legal, not appropriate use of public funds, and a deep insult to non-profit organizations across the Commonwealth who have worked to legally get, or even have just thought about getting, specialty plates, said Don Shelton, spokesman for the Kentucky Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

A Balanced Approach to Fire Protection Offers the Greatest Benefits
Fri, 02 Nov 2007, 10:40:03 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
IRVING, Texas - Nov. 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A balanced approach to fire protection that includes the installation of both fire detection and suppression systems will save lives according to the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), and for that reason, NBFAA urges that consumers support two legislative initiatives now pending in Congress.

GSP Consulting Economic Architecture Experts to Present at National Economic Development Conference
Tue, 16 Oct 2007, 22:58:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Oct. 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Executives from Pittsburgh-based GSP Consulting will present to a gathering of economic development leaders from around the country at a national conference this week in Baltimore. Dr. Jerry Paytas, Director of Research in GSP's Economic Architecture practice, will lead a discussion titled 'Best TBED (Technology Based Economic Development) Practices...to Avoid,' on October 18 at the State Science and Technology Institute's (SSTI) 11th Annual Conference.

Campaign Security Goes On High Alert as 2008 Presidential Race Heats Up
Fri, 05 Oct 2007, 21:41:00 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oct. 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- No one wants to talk about it. There is something that politicians don't want you to know. It's understandable considering politicians are not in the habit of displaying weakness. The reality is that many campaign websites are insufficiently protected from hackers and fraudulent sites. ElectionMall CEO, Ravi Singh has pioneered this issue since 2000.

GSP Economic Architecture Expert to Speak at the 12th Annual Minnesota Development Conference
Tue, 18 Sep 2007, 18:53:00 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Sept. 18 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Leading economic development expert Dr. Jerry Paytas will discuss Regional Competitiveness: Best Practices and Lessons Learned at the 12th Annual Minnesota Development Conference 'Harnessing Minnesota's Ingenuity' on September 26, 2007. Paytas, Director of Research at GSP Consulting, is a nationally-recognized economic development expert.

ElectionMall and CompleteCampaigns Combine to Give Internet Boost for Campaigns
Tue, 28 Aug 2007, 21:00:00 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Aug. 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Benjamin Katz of CompleteCampaigns.com and Ravi Singh of ElectionMall.com announced today that they are forming a strategic partnership to offer campaigns a 'one-stop-shop' online. Alliance dramatically changes how candidates run in 2008.

Presidential Candidate Roland Aranjo - 50 States in 100 Days
Mon, 20 Aug 2007, 16:13:00 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
DENVER, Colo. - Aug. 20 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Democratic Presidential candidate and author Roland Aranjo starting in his home town of Denver Colorado, will kick-off a national Democracy Revival Tour, 50 States in 100 Days. 'I will be traveling across America, holding local democracy discussions, listening to local concerns and sharing my vision for our democracy,' stated Aranjo.

Momentum Chippewa Valley Taps GSP Consulting for Economic Development Assessment and Strategy
Mon, 13 Aug 2007, 20:24:00 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - Aug. 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Economic and development opportunities in West Central Wisconsin will be the focus of a formal study of the region being commissioned by Momentum Chippewa Valley (MCV). The study kicked off August 9 with a visioning session in which local leaders developed a framework for the future economic development of the region.

Iowa Straw Poll Offers Tickets Online Similar to a Rock Concert
Fri, 10 Aug 2007, 21:51:00 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
AMES, Iowa - Aug. 10 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- While Republican presidential hopefuls are in Ames, Iowa this weekend shaking hands and jockeying for position among party faithful, two new technology tools are being offered to Iowa voters and political junkies. ElectionMall's eTicketing software and text messaging (SMS) system are being provided through IowaGOP.org allowing supporters to purchase their tickets online to the Iowa Straw Poll and receive results on their cell phone.

Former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young Joins the Advisory Board of Penny PAC Which Addresses Americans' Top Concerns
Wed, 02 May 2007, 21:30:00 GMT — Edited by Chris Simmons
WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Andrew Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and civil rights leader, has joined the advisory board of Penny PAC. Penny PAC is a non-partisan political action committee that focuses on education, energy, economic development, health care and homeland security, issues that consistently rank among the top concerns for Americans on public opinion polls.

Black Group Launches Two New TV Ads Blasting Cardin and Ford as Bad for Black Voters
Sat, 04 Nov 2006, 14:23:00 GMT — Edited by Christopher Simmons
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Nov. 4 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Blacks for Economic Security Today (BEST) on Saturday released two television advertisements that attack two Democratic candidates for turning their backs on the African-American population. To view: www.besttrustfund.org.

Department of Homeland Security Violates Whistleblower Protection Laws
Mon, 30 Oct 2006, 16:12:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oct. 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Government Accountability Project (GAP) and the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) are challenging a decision by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to fire a Federal Air Marshal for revealing an unclassified plan that would have removed air marshals from nonstop long-distance flights, similar to those hijacked for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Illinois' Black Legislators to Host Two-Day Community Engagement Summit and Scholarship Gala
Wed, 11 Oct 2006, 17:51:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
MATTESON, Ill. - Oct. 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- For the first time in five years and just five days before the upcoming mid-term election, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) will host a state-wide conference in hopes of engaging community activists, religious and business leaders and concerned citizens on a wide variety of issues. The two-day summit will take place Thursday and Friday, November 2 - 3, 2006 at the Matteson Holiday Inn located in south suburban Matteson Illinois.

Leading Political e-Greeting Card Website Offers New Print Tool for Campaign and Voters
Wed, 27 Sep 2006, 23:28:00 GMT — Edited by Christopher Simmons
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sept. 27 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- ElectionMall Technologies, Inc. (electionmall.com), a non-partisan provider of technology to campaigns and elections, has re-launched one of its popular online political products, Eyardsigns.com, with a new on-demand print feature that allows campaigns and voters to produce professional quality postcards, invitations, and greeting cards all at their computer keyboard.

Children's Health Organizations and Advocates Endorse YES Vote on Missouri Stem Cell Initiative
Mon, 28 Aug 2006, 15:20:00 GMT — Edited by Christopher Simmons
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Aug. 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Major children's health organizations have joined with leading Missouri pediatricians and children's advocates to urge a YES vote on the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, the referendum measure designed to ensure that Missouri patients will continue to have access to any stem cell therapies and cures allowed under federal law and available to other Americans. The measure, supported by the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, will be Amendment 2 on the November statewide ballot.

YES on 1 Campaign Urges Fair Coverage of the Wine at Food Stores Initiative
Mon, 21 Aug 2006, 20:13:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
BOSTON, MA - Aug. 21 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- To Editors and Reporters: As you may know, Question 1 on the November ballot will update Massachusetts law to allow grocery stores to apply for a locally approved license to sell wine to their customers. Naturally, Question 1 is opposed by liquor stores, who would prefer not to have competition from grocery stores in wine sales.

Proposed Public Agency Accountability Ballot Measure
Tue, 15 Aug 2006, 15:56:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
LOS ANGELES, CA - Aug. 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- According to CATRIPATI.com a ballot measure setting forth requirements for holding public agencies, public employees, and elected officials (including judges) accountable will be filed on August 31, 2006 with Bruce McPherson, California Secretary of State.

Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association: Independently Owned Pharmacies Face an Uncertain Future in Louisiana Due to Federal Budget Cuts
Mon, 08 May 2006, 22:20:00 GMT — Edited by Carly M. Zander
BATON ROUGE, LA - May 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- With drastic federal cuts impending, most independent community pharmacies face a very uncertain future. 'I've been in business for 10 years and this is the first time I've truly feared for the future of my business,' said Ricky Guidry of Guidry's Pharmacy in Iowa, Louisiana.

State Government Alert: Kentucky Defies Big Tobacco Lobbyists' Pressure by Seeking A Flat Tax on Cigarette Sales
Wed, 26 Apr 2006, 15:10:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
DALLAS, TX - Apr. 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- StatesOnTheTake.com announced today that Kentucky State Government officials could withdraw from the Master Settlement Agreement ('MSA'), despite fierce opposition from out-of-state, Big Tobacco lobbyists. The MSA was the original 'Stealth Cartel,' created under the guise of a "settlement" between Big Tobacco and the 46 state signatories.

California Ferret Lovers Plan Ballot Initiative to Legalize Ferrets
Wed, 29 Mar 2006, 17:42:00 GMT — Edited by Christopher Laird Simmons
SAN DIEGO, CA - Mar. 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- California ferret enthusiasts launched a new website in the latest attempt to legalize ferrets in California, one of only two states where they remain illegal. The new website for California Legalization Initiative for Ferrets is legalizeferrets.org.

Election Security Seal Program to Demonstrate on Capital Hill
Wed, 08 Feb 2006, 18:51:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Feb. 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- At a first of a kind opportunity on Capitol Hill, members of Congress, congressional staffers, senior policy experts, and the staff of the Bush Administration will have the chance to view ElectionMall Technologies' Election Security Seal Program at the Congressional Internet Advisory Committee Reception and Technology Fair.

Medicare Patients and Care Providers Fear Dire Consequences of Medicare Reform Bill
Mon, 23 Jan 2006, 11:04:00 GMT — Edited by Christopher Simmons
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Jan. 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A grass-roots effort to focus attention on disturbing elements of the Medicare reform legislation some Medicare beneficiaries and patient-care advocates call 'frightening' and 'disastrous' will begin with an organized protest outside the Bakersfield offices of House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA) on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Last Chance for Patient Choice (a 527 not-for-profit organization) plans to launch its nationwide advocacy effort on the eve of the final budget reconciliation bill vote (S. 1932) by the U.S. House of Representatives that will probably occur during the first week of February.

Missouri Firefighters Elect New Officers, Advocate for Members Legislatively
Wed, 11 Jan 2006, 13:45:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
KANSAS CITY, MO - Jan. 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Firefighters from across the state of Missouri have come together and elected new leadership for the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters (MSCFF) bringing a much needed and desired unity to the organization. The State Council is not only the exclusive statewide firefighter organization with over 5,600 employees throughout Missouri, but also the exclusive advocate for the courageous brothers and sisters of the fire and EMS service.

Size Matters Property Tax Proposed for California
Thu, 05 Jan 2006, 19:30:00 GMT — Edited by Christopher Simmons
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Jan. 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Because someone has to step up and suggest something: this year's StateoftheState.com address deals with California's property tax -- All aspects of California Proposition 13 on property taxes are to remain the same except that homes of '4,000 square feet or more' are to pay an additional 1%.

Historic Announcement in Mexican Politics: ElectionMall to Bring Technology to Mexican Candidates for 2006
Wed, 07 Dec 2005, 16:46:00 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
MONTERREY, Mexico - Dec. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- ElectionMall Technologies, Inc., a non-partisan leading provider for campaigns and elections technology worldwide headquartered in Washington D.C., has launched the first website of its kind in Mexico to provide services, tools, and products to candidates, political organizations, and voters in anticipation of the upcoming 2006 Mexican elections.

ElectionMall Develops Powerful Email System for Campaigns and Elections
Wed, 02 Nov 2005, 17:31:00 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Nov. 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- ElectionMall Technologies, Inc., a leading technology company in campaigns and elections, announces the launching of its Get-Out-the-E-mail system. ElectionMall's Get-Out-the-Email system is a one-of-a-kind advanced application that is tailored to those that are involved in the campaigns.

Senator Van de Putte Named President-Elect of National Conference of State Legislators
Wed, 17 Aug 2005, 15:58:00 GMT — Edited by Christopher Simmons
AUSTIN, TX and SEATTLE, Wash. - August 17 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Senator Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio) is being named President-Elect of the prestigious National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Friday at their annual conference in Seattle, Washington. Van de Putte, the first Hispanic and the first Texan ever named President-Elect of the organization, will assume the Presidency of the organization next year.

First Ever E-Democracy Symposium: 'Campaign Guru' to Speak
Mon, 25 Jul 2005, 11:17:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - July 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Online campaigning expert and CEO of ElectionMall Technologies, Inc. Ravi Singh will discuss how candidates engage and inform voters through the Internet at the first ever international conference focused on local e-democracy. The International Symposium on Local E-Democracy will explore leading e-democracy trends around the world and will include field visits to area government and community e-democracy projects.

First Ever Webmaster Certificate Program Announced
Fri, 08 Jul 2005, 17:17:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
LAS VEGAS, NV - July 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Online campaigning expert and CEO of ElectionMall Technologies, Inc. (www.electionmall.com) Ravi Singh announced the launch of the first-ever webmaster certificate seminar. The webmaster seminar, which is being conducted by ElectionMall Academy, will provide political activists and campaign managers with the necessary knowledge to utilize the expanding role of technology in campaigns.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Blogger & FEC Government Hearings Alternative - 'ElectionMall.com introduces Blogger Identity Seal (BIS)'
Tue, 28 Jun 2005, 18:29:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the proposed FEC regulations of Internet web logs, ElectionMall Technologies, Inc., a leading non-partisan provider of on-line campaign technology solutions, is developing a Blogger Identity Seal (BIS). BIS will provide an alternative to the FEC government concern that Bloggers must 'identify' themselves as a media or non-media identity.

ElectionMall Technologies, Inc. to Sponsor Personal Democracy Forum Conference: Ravi Singh to Speak on New Technologies for Campaigns
Mon, 16 May 2005, 12:39:00 GMT — Edited by Debra Tone
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. - May 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Campaign technology company, ElectionMall Technologies, Inc., today announced its sponsorship of the Personal Democracy Forum Conference. The event is taking place today at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center in New York City. The second annual conference will bring together online technology experts and political insiders to discuss new trends in political technology. Ravi Singh, CEO and founder of ElectionMall Technologies, Inc., will be a featured speaker at the event.

New Movement To End U.S. Occupation Of Iraq Launches National Counting The Cost Event May 15
Fri, 06 May 2005, 10:52:00 GMT — Edited by Carly Zander
PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 6 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- People from around the country are signing up at www.countingthecost.org to wear numbers symbolizing the over 100,000 civilians and soldiers who died because of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Motivated by new information on the numbers of deaths in Iraq, and the lack of national discussion, participants from Alaska to Arizona, Boston to Baltimore, are signing up to participate in a simple but dramatic gesture. On May 15th across the country, Counting the Cost participants will wear their numbers and demonstrate - in silent vigils to large public die-ins.

National Public Service Award Winners Announced
Thu, 31 Mar 2005, 12:34:00 GMT — Edited by Christopher Simmons
WASHINGTON, DC /Send2Press Newswire/ -- Winners of the prestigious National Public Service Awards, the premier awards for excellence in public service at all levels of government, have been announced by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). They will be presented on Monday, April 4, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Milwaukee, WI, at noon, at the ASPA National Conference.

Ukraine's Maidan International Election Observation Group: Moldovan Parliamentary Elections Flawed
Mon, 07 Mar 2005, 13:12:00 GMT — Edited by Christopher Simmons
KYIV, Ukraine /Send2Press Newswire/ -- The Maidan International Election Observation Group (the Maidan Group) believes that some parts of the Parliamentary Election in the Republic of Moldova were free and democratic but with violations reported in several parts of the country.

ElectionMall Technologies, Inc. Sponsors eNaugural.com Ball
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 16:49:00 GMT — Edited by Christopher Laird Simmons
WASHINGTON, D.C. /Send2Press Newswire/ -- Campaign technology company, ElectionMall Technologies, Inc. announced Wednesday that it will sponsor the high-profile, high-tech inaugural night celebration, eNaugural.com Ball. The event will be a coming together of leaders of the high-tech community, elected officials and the media to celebrate the start of the President George W. Bush's second term.