Last night Sen. Warner accepted the TechAmerica Foundation’s Legislator of the Year award at its 2013 Technology and Government Dinner.  The annual award recognizes a member of Congress who has made outstanding contributions to U.S. innovation and technology. 

Before entering politics Sen. Warner was a highly successful investor in technology startups as well as a cellular industry pioneer, and since assuming elected office has been a strong advocate for American technological innovation as a major source of national job creation.   

In his remarks, Sen. Warner emphasized that America’s continued economic pre-eminence depends on better promoting Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology education here at home, and attracting the best talent in those fields from abroad. 

“The technology industry has been an important ally in working to promote STEM education and reform our broken immigration system,” said Sen. Warner. “Virginia has one of the largest concentrations of tech workers in the country, and I look forward to continuing to work with the TechAmerica Foundation to promote technology as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and American competitiveness.”

TechAmerica Foundation Chairman Shawn Osborne thanked Sen. Warner for his contributions to the industry here in America. “Senator Warner has had an immeasurable impact on the U.S. technology industry,” he stated in a press release. “As an entrepreneur and pioneering business leader, helped to build the U.S. cellular industry and supported numerous startups.  As Virginia’s Governor and now U.S. Senator, he has worked to encourage innovation in our country and support our vibrant technology industry.  The Current state of the tech industry in Virginia is a testament to this and we couldn’t be more thrilled to honor him for his efforts.”