Feb. 27, 2003 – Washington, DC – Applied Materials Inc., a supplier of equipment and services to the worldwide semiconductor industry, said that Chairman and CEO James Morgan has been appointed vice chairman of the President’s Export Council (PEC) by President Bush.

The PEC is a national advisory body on international trade. Morgan and other council members were sworn in during a White House ceremony and held their inaugural meeting with President George W. Bush on Feb. 26.

“It is an honor to be named to such a prestigious council,” said 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 US 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 Evans. “Twelve million American jobs depend on exports of goods and services.”

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