eBay is one of two companies (the other being Skunk Works, a division of Lockheed Martin) receiving the nation’s highest honor for technological and scientific achievement. US Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez joined President George W. Bush last week to announce the 2007 laureates for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

In a statement made by the US Department of Commerce, eBay received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for pioneering the technology that encouraged and supported online trade, enabling global entrepreneurship and the growth of the Internet worldwide.

“America leads the world in technological innovation because of men, women and cutting-edge coporations like those we honor this year,” Gutierrez said. “Their contributions to our society have impacted all of our lives and they serve as both an inspiration and as role models for future generations of American innovators.”

President Bush will be presenting the medal to the recipients, eBay included, at the White House on September 29, 2008.

About The National Medal of Technology and Innovation
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation was created by Congress in 1980 and has been presented by the President of the United States since 1985. A distinguished, independent committee appointed by the Secretary of Commerce evaluates the merits of all candidates nominated through an open, competitive solicitation process. Committee recommendations are forwarded to the Secretary who makes recommendations to the President for a final decision.

The Medal program is administered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. For more information: http://www.uspto.gov/nmti/

I plan on providing additional coverage following the White House event at the end of this month.

Cheers,
RBH