Technology innovators, business leaders, legislators, students, and one teacher were honored at the Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards Gala at the Arizona Biltmore Resort. Over 1,000 attended the celebration, which recognizes the technological and business achievements of Arizona's top companies, organizations, and individuals in various categories.

"Tonight's Celebration of Innovation event recognized many deserving high-tech leaders, students, products, programs, and companies across Arizona," said Governor Napolitano. "We rewarded them not only for what they have accomplished, but also for what they represent--the spirit of innovation, the commitment to excellence, and the promise of what Arizona can be--a true leader in a knowledge-based economy."

The announced categories and their respective recipients were as follows:

• The Pioneering Innovation Award: Intel Corporation (www.intel.com)
• The William F. McWhortor Award: Richard Mallery, Partner and Founding Director, Snell & Wilmer (www.swlaw.com)
• The Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Award: James D. Armstrong, Chairman of the Board, JDA Software Group (www.jda.com)
• The Innovator of the Year Award — Large Company: Raytheon Missile Systems - Tactical Tomahawk Software Applications Team (www.raytheon.com)
• The Innovator of the Year Award — Service Company: TeleSpectra, LLC (www.telespectra.com)
• The Innovator of the Year Award — Small Company: PatchLink Corporation (www.patchlink.com)
• The Innovator of the Year Award — Startup: Three Rivers Holdings, LLC (www.3rivers.com)

Other award categories included "Tech 10" awards, honoring legislators who consistently support vital tech-related legislative initiatives; "Future Innovator" awards for students who have demonstrated significant thoroughness, skill, creativity, and clarity in their scientific projects; and a "Teacher of the Year" award.

The event was sponsored by Governor Janet Napolitano and hosted by the Arizona Department of Commerce, the Arizona Technology Council, the High Technology Industry Cluster, and the Southern Arizona Tech Council. Full award listings are available at www.aztechcouncil.org.

For more information:

"Arizona Technology Industry Leaders and Achievements Honored at Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards Gala", Arizona Technology Council press release, 11/19/2003