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AeA Orange County issues call for nominations for 15th annual High-Tech Innovation Awards
The largest technology trade association to recognize local groundbreaking companies, individuals and products that are driving innovation and winning global competition at the 2008 “Race to Innovate” signature event
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 28, 2008 — AeA, the largest technology trade association in the United States, today issued a call for nominations for the 15th annual High-Tech Innovation Awards, sponsored by AeA’s Orange County Council. The awards will be presented at the Hyatt Regency Irvine on April 29, 2008, and recognize local companies, individuals and products in the technology field that drive innovation in Orange County and the Inland Empire.
“AeA’s High-Tech Innovation Awards showcase ingenuity and give a sneak peak at what’s next in innovation,” said Don Hicks, executive director of the AeA Orange County Council. “Our annual theme ‘The Race to Innovate’ acknowledges that the United States must compete vigorously to protect its position as the world leader in science and technology while celebrating the local innovators who are leading the charge. We are strategic in our approach, honoring those who are using science and technology to break boundaries.”
New this year to the event will be the AeA-Harvey Mudd College Green Engineering Award. The Award will recognize achievement in environmental practices in the design, production, distribution or utilization of electronics by a firm in Orange County and/or the Inland Empire. Specifically, the winner of the award will have made a significant contribution in the area of “green” engineering or sustainability in one of several areas.
The High-Tech Innovation Awards set record levels last year for nominations and attendance. AeA Orange County received more than 100 nominations and recognized 22 innovators. The sold-out dinner and awards ceremony drew more than 500 luminaries from local high-tech companies, financial and government institutions as well as academic leaders, educators, investors and media affiliates. Event organizers expect to exceed these figures this year.
“Now in its 15th year, we can affirm that the AeA High-Tech Innovation Awards is the signature event recognizing honoring the people, companies and educators driving high-tech innovation in the region,” said Cara Good, chief executive of WunderMarx|PR and award program chair. “This is the one night when established tech innovators and rising stars come together to demonstrate how Orange County and Inland Empire companies are innovating technologies that set the pace of business, lifestyle and commerce.”
AeA is seeking nominations for the 2008 High-Tech Innovation Awards in the following categories: Outstanding Private Company CEO, Outstanding Woman in Technology, Outstanding Company, Outstanding Medical Device Company, Outstanding Public Company CEO, High-Impact Person of the Year, Harvey Mudd College Green Engineering, Community Service and Innovative Products and Innovative Educator. Nominations can be made online at the AeA Orange County Web site, and all submissions are due by Feb. 29, 2008.
The program is underwritten and produced by financial and in-kind sponsors. Several sponsors that partnered with AeA Orange County for the 2007 High-Tech Innovation Awards have pledged their commitment to return to the 2008 event and new sponsors have been added. These include Premier sponsors Deloitte, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth; Silicon Valley Bank and Showcase Reception sponsor Haskell & White LLP. In addition, WunderMarx|PR has returned as the public relations and marketing sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities still exist, and interested companies and organizations can contact AeA Orange County at 949-450-1500 or don_hicks@aeanet.org.
About AeA
AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs. For more information, please visit www.aeanet.org.