Posted: June 24, 2008

Arizona Technology Council Seeks Nominations for 2008 Governor?s Celebration of Innovation Awards

(Nanowerk News) The Arizona Technology Council today announced that it has opened nominations for the 2008 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards (GCOI). The annual black-tie-optional event will take place on November 13, 2008, at the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix. Presented by the Arizona Technology Council in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Commerce and hosted by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, the event showcases the compelling stories and brilliant accomplishments of businesses, academia and non-profit organizations working in Arizona’s technology sector that are utilizing innovative technology solutions to address critical issues.
“GCOI rewards the best and the brightest of Arizona’s innovators and their contributions to knowledge, community and the technology resources that serve as the cornerstone to the future of our state,” said Governor Janet Napolitano. “The ideas and creativity from our forward-thinking technology organizations and professionals will help to sustain our region for years to come, and it is important to recognize this outstanding work.”
Chaired by Al Maag, chief communications officer, Avnet, Inc., the GCOI Committee will accept nominations online until 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2008, at www.aztechcouncil.org. The nomination fee for each entry is $35 for Arizona Technology Council members and $50 for non-members. Entry fees for non-members will be waived when accompanied by a new membership application.
The 2008 GCOI Awards will be presented in a new, theatre-style format followed by a strolling dinner and afterglow party. This year’s “Shift to Green” themed festivities will highlight green technologies with the introduction of a new award category: Green Innovator of the Year.
“By recognizing a ‘green innovator’ this year, we are celebrating Arizona’s active participation in the new world economy that is being bolstered by an emerging sustainability sector,” said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. “Green building, forest products, water management and environmental services offer potential for growth and high-paying jobs for our state’s economy and will attract venture capital and innovators to this region.”
Complete descriptions and eligibility requirements for the following GCOI 2008 award categories can be found at www.atech.wliinc3.com/cwt/external/wcpages/initiatives/gcoi.aspx:
Individual Awards
  • William F. McWhortor Community Service Leader of the Year
  • Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year
  • Company Awards
  • Pioneering Innovation
  • Green Innovator of the Year (NEW)
  • Innovator of the Year - Start-Up Company
  • Innovator of the Year - Small Company
  • Innovator of the Year - Large Company
  • Innovator of the Year - Academia
  • About the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation
    The Governor’s Celebration of Innovation was established in 2003 by combining two technology award ceremonies: the High Tech Industry Cluster’s 17-year Innovator of the Year awards ceremony and the Arizona Software and Internet Association’s 10-year “Celebration of Innovation.” With the addition of the Governor’s support, the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation has become the premier technology community gathering of its kind in Arizona. For more information on GCOI, please visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org.
    About the Arizona Technology Council
    The Arizona Technology Council is a private, not-for-profit trade association founded to connect, represent and support the state’s expanding technology industry. To promote economic growth and professional development in Arizona’s technology sector, the Council provides members networking opportunities, business support and access to educational forums. The Council strives to distinguish Arizona as a leader in the technology community and offer resources that are exclusive to its members. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org.
    Source: Arizona Technology Council