But Ellen Stroud will no longer be the mouthpiece for Goodlatte's office. Taking on a similar job, she will be speaking on behalf of the other side: the high-tech industry. California based Technology Network has announced the appointment of Stroud as its first director of communications. Stroud leaves Capital Hill, where she served as Goodlatte's press secretary and director of special projects. "I will be responsible for working with members and with the media to let folks know what TechNet's all about and the good work they are doing," Stroud said. "They are working on some important issues that are important to high-tech people in the nation and in Silicon Valley." Stroud hopes to involve high-tech companies and CEO's in a productive dialogue on pertinent issues, including the research and development tax credit and H-1B visas. When asked why she believes TechNet decided to hire a communications director, Stroud said, "There have been so many media inquiries and membership has increased. Their start-up is growing. There's the need for one person dedicated to having one person talking about the high-tech industry." Stroud will be working out of the Palo Alto headquarters starting Sept. 13. In the meantime, Michelle Semones will be replacing Stroud as Goodlatte's press secretary. Semones, who has worked for Goodlatte for about two years, currently serves as a press assistant working under Stroud. Semones, a graduate of Roanoke College, will take over the top press job following Stroud's departure. "She's a terrific writer and knows the district very well," Stroud said of her replacement.

     At the Progress and Freedom Foundation Summit in Aspen, one of the speakers, Sen. Conrad Burns, R-MO, told attendees about the limited offer they all missed. The tech-savvy Burns told attendees that he recently sold a set of spurs on the auction site e-Bay for one hundred dollars. Having previously purchased a number of pairs, his wife encouraged him to sell more over the site. But Burns thought better of that idea, saying with a chuckle that he did not want to "flood the market." On a more serious note, Burns said that every day at 4:30 p.m. his Washington office takes questions from Montana citizens through a technology made capable by a company called Streaming Solutions based in Montana.

     Former House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bob Livingston has been hired by two computer software companies — PeopleSoft and Oracle — to lobby on federal technology development, funding and high-tech issues, according to Livingston Group spokesperson Suzie Livingston. Livingston, who was set to become speaker of the House, but abandoned his Congressional career after admitting to an extramarital affair, turned to lobbying, joining forces with the Louisiana -based firm Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrere & Denegre. "Our law firm has a strategic alliance with the Livingston Group. We are working in tandem with him for our joint clients on technology related issues," said Chris Johnsen, managing partner of the firm's Washington office.

     The world's richest person, net worth ballpark $90 billion depending on today's NASDAQ close, is sharing more of his wealth — or at least a single-digit percentage of it. Bill Gates and wife Melinda Gates have donated nearly $6 billion to their eponymous foundation, which is dedicated to improving global health and education. This most recent donation brings the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's total assets to $17.1 billion, according to a published report. According to Trevor Nelson, communications director for the foundation, other recent gifts included $200 million toward bringing computers, Internet access and training to North American libraries, and $100 million to quicken the distribution of vaccines to children in developing countries. In the meantime, drugstore.com has announced that founder, Jed Smith will be leaving, and Melinda Gates has been appointed as a director of the company. Smith, who was the first president and the director and vice president of strategic partnerships is leaving to start a new business venture. Martin Grass, the chief executive of the pharmacy Rite Aid, has also been appointed as a director of drugstore.com.

     Family comes first for at least one high-tech executive. Iomega Corp.'s President and Chief Executive Officer Jodie Glore will be leaving his post on Aug. 31, citing personal and not professional reasons for his resignation. "I expect to take my first vacation in three years and spend time with my family," said Glore. But he hasn't left the company bereft of his wisdom: he'll offer his services to the chairman and the board in the form of advice and counsel. David J. Dunn, chairman of Iomega for nearly 20 years, is expected to serve as acting president and CEO until a new CEO is hired, according to a company statement.

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