CSIA, Colorado Technology Association Announces the Winners of the 2011 Technology Apex Awards

Top Quote CSIA today announces the winners of the 11th annual Apex Awards. End Quote
  • Denver, CO (1888PressRelease) July 15, 2011 - CSIA, Colorado's Technology Association, today announced the winners of the 2011 technology Apex Awards. Winners and finalists were awarded and announced at last night's program.

    "The technology industry is the engine behind all other industries, yet many times, these companies and professionals go without recognition. That's why we are so proud of our Apex Awards. For 11 years, we have been shining the light on these successful companies and individuals who influence our communities and economy in a positive way," said Su Hawk, President, CSIA. "Congratulations to all these winners and finalist for their successes."

    The 2011 Company Winners are:

    • Technology Company of the Year - Rivet Software. Rivet Software identified and addressed a market need long before the solution was mandated. Well-poised, they then seized the opportunity in 2010. As a result, they have experienced phenomenal growth,1140% in just 12 months. Rivet Software is pioneering the future of global financial communications; they focus on providing finance, accounting, and other business users with control over the collection, analysis and dissemination of business and financial information. Finalists: IP5280 Communications and Tendril.

    • Technology Product of the Year - Power Tagging. Power Tagging is taking a leading edge approach to managing the smart grid. They have been dedicated to improving the overall efficiency between energy providers and their end users. They believe the Smart Grid can be achieved by delivering a strong rate of return for utilities, energy savings for consumers and flexibility for the future. Finalists: Red Earth Software and Rivet Software.

    • Technology Services of the Year - IP5280 Communications. IP5280 Communications delivers a portfolio of IP capabilities for businesses all over the world. Their clients benefit from their fully monitored and supported Voice Operations Center located here in Denver, Colorado. In such, their business model quickly establishes a ROI for their clients and provides ongoing efficiencies. Finalists: Advanced Assembly and Integrate.

    • Rookie of the Year - Orbotix. Orbotix works with consumer electronics companies and developers to bring phone controlled open devices to market. Their technology brings new gaming technology to the forefront, yet also demonstrates the ability to be used in mobile applications and other mobile uses. This company stood out as one that should be taken seriously when looking at companies that will last and grow right here in Colorado. Finalists: Radish Systems and UsingMiles.

    • IT Project of the Year - PEI. PEI's IT project began with the goal of providing a virtual sales force with an enhanced online environment to drive community and communications for their client. Their client had a largely remote workforce, and they wanted to up level their employee engagement. PEI seamlessly integrated instant messaging, web conferencing, and video conferencing to take their client even closer to presenting coworkers with a single interface for information. Finalists: Amadeus Consulting and SLI Global.

    The 2011 Individual Winners are:

    • Bob Newman Lifetime Achievement - John Oechsle, Executive Vice President, Product and Strategy, DigitalGlobe. John has not only contributed to the leadership and strength of Colorado's technology industry, but has worked throughout the world to lead and coach hundreds of technology professionals. He has worked with international companies as well as entrepreneurs, and determined ways to always connect people to a higher vision. With a background that includes positions across the world at IHS, Johnson & Johnson, LandAmerica and Kellogg, as well as an education that includes Stanford, Dartmouth and Rutgers, his lifetime has been dedicated to leading technology and business initiatives, and Colorado has certainly benefitted greatly from his involvement. For CSIA, he helped create DEMOgala, and was responsible for bringing in Meg Whitman as our first national speaker; he served as Board chair, has served as advisor to dozens of companies and individuals, and has continued to be instrumental in helping Colorado's national technology reputation.

    • Technology Executive of the Year - Helen Cousins, Executive Vice President and CIO, Lincoln Trust Co. In the face of resistance from different parts of her organization, Helen implemented a change management program that touched all aspects of the business. She laid out a roadmap of her vision and made sure her IT team executed against it religiously. As a result, within her first year at the company, IT soon became a trusted partner and the projects proved results. Helen is never afraid to address a problem aggressively at its root or quickly pursue an opportunity. Finalists: Steve Foster, President of Business Controls; Greg Lems, CTO of ClickBank.

    • Technology Entrepreneur of the Year - Bob Ogdon, CEO, Swiftpage. Bob is a serial entrepreneur on his fourth company, Swiftpage. He thrives on the excitement to build a business from beginning to playing a significant role in the business marketplace. Bob has always looked to build businesses from scratch, creating tremendous value and then selling them to a strategic organization. Finalists: Patrick Quinlan, CEO, Rivet Software and Art Zeile, CEO, Hosting.com.

    • Top Tech Teacher - Kristin Donley, Science/STEM Instructor, Monarch High School. Kristin is an independent thinker, moving beyond the standard classroom expectations, and creates a real-world arena where students are inspired to create and learn beyond the standards. She utilizes 3D animation that speaks to her student's age group while creating a real-world perspective for them. She has increased student achievement by nearly 10%, and this data led to a $250,000 grant from Impact on Education for a collaboration of teachers for Clickers for BVSD classrooms. In addition, she has found ways for her classroom to participate in pilot programs, and every fall she spends hours finding mentors for 60 students. Finalists: Sue Johnson, Computer Science Advanced Placement Teacher, Monarch High School and Leslie Trexler, Instructor, Bollman Technical Education Center.

    • CSIA Champions of the Year - Robert Berger, Regional Vice President, Credera; Jennifer Harding, Sr. Account Executive, Access Data Consulting Services; Chris Magyar, Vice President, Gunther Douglas; and Sandra Steiner, Executive Director, Adams County Education Consortium. George Tyler, Chief Alliance Officer, 3rd Eagle, was also recognized for his years of outstanding volunteer service for CSIA.

    Robert had very tangible and extreme results. He Co-Chaired the Celebrity Committee for C-Level @ A Mile High by personally confirming a large portion of the celebrities while keeping in mind the focus and who would have the most strategic impact on CSIA and the event. He also Co-Chaired the Nomination Committee for this year's Apex Awards and delivered the highest number and the highest quality of nominees in history.

    Jennifer has been involved in virtually every committee for the last several years; she has co-chaired numerous subcommittees, been responsible for revenue, sales, outreach, and volunteer motivation. This year she helped take the CSIA Women in Technology Forum to a whole new level and launched the first ever CSIA WIT full-day conference with more than 200 attendees.

    Chris was key to the success for both DEMOgala and C-Level @ A Mile High in 2010 and 2011. He took on the majority of the leadership for the sales and sponsorship team leading to the highest sponsorship revenue raised for an event in CSIA history. He also led by example by participating in the nitty-gritty of call outs and day of responsibilities.

    Sandra has been an invaluable education partner for CSIA and the Colorado technology community. She serves as a facilitator between all of the school districts, administrators, teachers and students of Adams County and CSIA. For several years she has played a pivotal role on many levels including providing important information on how to grow technology education in Adams County, and connecting educators to the events and activities of CISA.

    Special Recognition:
    • C-Level @ A Mile High John Oechsle and Kirby Slunaker Award - Wilson Davis, VP of Corporate Systems, Western Union. This award is presented to the CIO that raised the most funds through bids during the spring C-Level @ A Mile High event. The money raised contributes to the work CSIA does for the technology industry, with an emphasis on advocacy and industry stewardship. Wilson singularly raised nearly $6,000 this year!

    • CSIA Advocates of the Year Award - Speaker of the House, Frank McNulty (R - Highlands Ranch), House Majority Leader, Amy Stephens (R - Monument), Representative Carole Murray (R - Castle Rock), Senator Cheri Jahn (D - Wheat Ridge) and Senator Linda Newell (D - Littleton). The successful passage of HB1293 to rescind 2010's HB1192 (additional taxes on software), not only has paved the way for tech companies across the state, but also technology users across every industry. The new law passed the House and Senate and signed in to law by Governor Hickenlooper on June 7, 2011.

    About CSIA, the Colorado Technology Association:
    CSIA is the technology industry leader in uniting and growing Colorado's information technology industry by providing advocacy, education, business connections, and information, while supporting economic development, unification of technology stakeholders, and larger recognition of the industry and the people involved to develop and promote Colorado's technology industry. CSIA also works nationally to ensure Colorado's technology voice is heard, through TECNA, a coalition of technology associations across the United States and Canada, as well as with TechAmerica, the national lobbying organization for federal issues. Since 1994, CSIA has been involved in legislative issues and public policy to represent the information technology industry in Colorado, and has provided a number of annual programs, events and connections to support business success. For more information on CSIA please call (303) 592-4070 or visit www.coloradotechnology.org

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