For many Thompson Group clients, one of the best values is our ability to give clients the "first shot" at strategic sponsorships, speaking opportunities, board positions, etc. Silicon Valley Bank was afforded this type of opportunity when the Texas Electronic Commerce Association (TECA) was established in January of 1999. The Texas Electronic Commerce Association came to The Thompson Group for connections to sponsors, speakers and members, and we immediately referred them to Silicon Valley Bank. Not only was Silicon Valley Bank a sponsor of the inaugural meeting of Texas eComm along with strategic allies Austin Ventures, Baker Botts and Ernst & Young, they were offered the opportunity to become one of the first Affiliate Members for this statewide organization. The Texas Electronic Commerce Association has also become a customer of Silicon Valley Bank; they have given a bank representative a seat on their advisory board; and they are looking into bringing the leader of Silicon Valley Bank's Online Services Practice in from California as a speaker. A true win-win alliance!