Bush Appoints Morgan as Vice Chairman of White House Panel

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2003.Applied Materials announced that James C. Morgan, chairman and chief executive officer, has been appointed Vice Chairman of the President's Export Council (PEC), by President Bush. The PEC is the premier national advisory body on international trade. Mr. Morgan and other council members were sworn in during a White House ceremony.

"It is an honor to be named to such a prestigious council," said Mr. Morgan. "As a major exporter, Applied Materials knows the value of trade to the global high-tech economy. Promoting exports while creating jobs is a critical priority for restoring America's economic momentum."

The PEC advises the president of government policies and programs that affect U.S. trade performance. In addition, the PEC promotes export expansion and provides a forum for discussing and resolving trade-related problems among the business, industrial, agricultural, labor and government sectors.

"I know Jim Morgan will have a positive impact in his advisory role to the president," said Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans. "Twelve million American jobs depend on exports of goods and services. The president's economic growth plan has set the course for a stronger economy that underscores the importance of trade to America's economic growth and prosperity."

In addition to 28 business leaders, five United States Senators and five members of the House of Representatives, the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, Energy, Labor, State and Treasury, the U.S. Trade Representative and other key appointees comprise the committee, which meets at least twice each year.

Applied Materials' Web site is www.appliedmaterials.com .

Optical Manufacturing