Nominations open for 2009 NCET Technology Awards
A lot of amazing, innovative things are going on in our state right now, which is why we created The NCET Awards: to recognize and celebrate individuals and companies who have greatly enhanced the growth and prestige of Greater Reno-Tahoe’s technology community. This year, our recognition program is even more important, because it provides an opportunity to acknowledge individuals and companies who are standing out and making a mark despite the challenges of our struggling economy.
Last year we recognized Server Technology of Reno as our Technology Company of the Year. The company manufactures power-distribution units. This year we’re hoping to honor another local tech company that’s been in operation more than five years, achieving significant growth in sales, revenue and employment while having a positive effect on the local industry. Special consideration will be given to companies that demonstrate significant patent, R&D and IP activity.
In 2008, our Technology Start-up was Diigo.com, a Reno company that developed social bookmarking technology. Diigo.com has seen some incredible strides in the past year. This year we’re looking for another new tech start-up to honor – companies founded after January 1, 2007 are eligible.
Dream Weaver Marketing, which creates reusable grocery bags, and Itronics, Inc., which recycles photochemical waste, shared the NCET Green Company of the Year honors in 2008; This year we’ll be looking to again promote the company that creates or produces products or services that best employ clean, renewable or efficient energy technologies and services, or products that best support sustainable practices.
In the 2008 Technology Entrepreneur of the Year category we recognized Aki Korhonen, founder of PC-Doctor Inc., a developer of personal computer diagnostics. This year that honor will go to the CEO or founder of a technology company that has achieved significant sales or revenue growth, employment growth, product innovation or national recognition. Special consideration will be given to individuals who demonstrate industry leadership by being involved trade organizations or legislative activities pertinent to the technology industry.
NCET’s CIO/CTO of the Year in 2008 was Jack Dawson of IQ Systems Inc., a Reno company that provides system integration and network services. This year we’ll be looking for another high-performing individual who exemplifies excellence in the technical performance of his or her employer’s organization. We’re hoping to honor an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership through the innovative and effective use of technology in support of the strategic initiatives of his or her organization.
And last but not least, last year NCET recognized Dr. Christopher Simon as our Technology Educator of the Year. Simon is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Nevada, Reno, who has researched the political and technical perspectives of renewable energy. This year the award will be presented to an effective, engaging instructor that inspires passion and commitment from his or her students while advancing their critical thinking ability, skills and knowledge in challenging, meaningful ways.
If you know an individual or organization deserving of recognition in one of the above-mentioned categories, I encourage you to nominate them for an NCET Award. Nominations must be submitted by September 23, 2009. Downloadable forms are available at http://www.ncet.org/nominations-open-for-2009-ncet-awards/. Winners will be announced at Reno’s Atlantis Spa Hotel Casino at the Awards Ceremony beginning at 5:30 pm on October 14, 2009.
