Groups representing Mass. tech firms to merge

BURLINGTON, Mass. (AP) - Two organizations that represent the interests of technology companies in Massachusetts are combining forces.

The Mass Technology Leadership Council, also known as MassTLC, announced Wednesday that it was merging with Massachusetts Network Communications Council, also known as MassNetComms.

The combined organization will keep the MassTLC name and be led by that group's president, Tom Hopcroft. Mark Horan, formerly president of MassNetComms, will become senior vice president.

Gov. Deval Patrick praised the merger, saying the collaboration will help the tech sector meet current economic challenges.

The organization will represent some 500 Massachusetts high-tech companies in areas ranging form communications and software to robotics and digital games.