Washington, DC - JD Williams, state controller of Idaho, has been elected chair of the National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council (NECCC). As chairman, Williams will promote the use of Internet technologies and electronic commerce in state governments as a means of creating efficiencies and reducing cost.

The Council, which is in its third year, is an alliance of three national organizations created to provide a framework for ongoing cooperation and coordination among the states and the private sector to promote electronic commerce in government. Alliance members are primarily technology, financial and purchasing officers in state governments throughout the country.

According to Williams, advancing technology will especially profit rural areas. "The Internet makes the world a smaller place, which is beneficial for states like Idaho," he said. "Citizens should be on line, not in line, and, electronic commerce is but one way we can provide better service at reduced cost."

Because of the Internet, Williams explained, it is no longer necessary for a region to be located by a port or major transportation hub to conduct business, drawing more high tech companies to build facilities in rural areas. Micron Technology and Hewlett Packard already have operations in Idaho. In addition, Idaho-based computer manufacturer, Micron PC.com is now the third largest web hosting company in the country.

Williams said, "Idaho has always been a state of opportunity, and our use of technology will help create new opportunities in the next century."

In addition to serving as vice chair for NECCC last year, Williams has implemented technology to improve the efficiency of the state controller’s office and save taxpayer dollars. By utilizing technology, the state controller’s budget has grown at a rate one third that of the rest of Idaho state government.

Describing his philosophy regarding electronic commerce, Williams said, "We all need to work together to make electronic commerce work for the states. The primary role of government is to serve our citizens at the lowest cost possible. We also have to prepare our children for the next century, and I am convinced the states that use the Internet and technology will be the states that do the most for their children in the new economy."

Controller Williams was also recently elected secretary of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers (NASACT), an alliance group of NECCC.