WTIA Reveals Finalists for the 14th IAA
The Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) has announced the finalists for its 14th annual Industry Achievement Awards (IAA). The IAA recognizes the achievements and significant contributions of local companies, individuals, and students to the growing technologies, new applications and innovations, and the improvement of services within the information industry.
IAA’s selection panel of the finalists had a hard time sorting the entries which were comprised of promising startups, as well as some of the established individuals, companies, and organizations that have already made major innovations and breakthroughs. The total number of the entries for this year’s IAA has also broken previous records.
Ken Myer, President and CEO of the WTIA, said that the finalist panel spent countless hours determining who among the entries have made the most significant impact on the industry.
The winners, however, will not be chosen by a panel of handpicked jurors. Instead, those who will get the top recognition are to be chosen by the tech community through an online voting system. The voting will commence on February 23.
Here are the finalists for the 14th annual Industry Achievement Awards:
• Breakthrough Start-up of the Year: Apptio, LiquidPlanner, Ontela
• Commercial Product or Service of the Year: Visible Technologies, INRIX, Concur
• Service Provider of the Year: AdReady(TM), Inc., Azaleos Corporation, Cobalt;
• Technology Innovator of the Year: Don Ledford, VANTOS, Inc.; Darrin Massena, Picnik; Matthew Parks, Visto Corporation
• Best use of Technology in the Government, Non-profit or Educational Sector: Snohomish County Planning & Development Services, eCityGov Alliance, South Sound Health Communication Network
• Technology Leader of Tomorrow: Aaron Love, St. Therese School, 8th grade; Matthew McMillan, St. Therese School, 7th grade; Israel Zemeadim, Washington Middle School, 8th grade
• Consumer Product or Service of the Year: Pet Holdings, Inc., Picnik, Wetpaint
The winners will be announced during the 14th annual Industry Achievement Awards party on March 25. The 14th IAA also marks WTIA’s 25th anniversary. In an effort to make the event a grand celebration, the party will be held at The Paramount Theater. The party will showcase interactive gaming sections, a technology display, and a look at the history of the local technology community. Mr. Tom Douglas will be the event’s official caterer.
Among the presenting sponsors on the awards night are Intelius, AH&T Insurance, RealNetworks, Microsoft, Vertafore, Regence BlueShield, and Wells Fargo Insurance Services.
As part of WTIA’s 25th anniversary celebration, the party will be open to the tech community. Ken Myer said that the prices of the party tickets will be lowered to ensure that everyone who wants to celebrate with them can join and enjoy the party.
Established in 1984, the Washington Technology Industry Association is the largest statewide IT organization in North America. Members of the WTIA include over 1000 individual technology professionals, IT departments, and technology companies based in the state of Washington. WTIA strives to improve and make major inputs for the betterment of the technology community of Washington by sharing expertise, nurturing collaboration, and providing key services.
Official announcement of the WTIA Finalists for 14th Annual Industrial Achievement.
Full account of the WTIA 14th Annual IAA.