Southwestern Virginia Companies Recognized for Excellence in Technology
The Southwestern Virginia Technology Council (SWVTC) held its 11th annual gala, tech expo, and awards ceremony at the Higher Education Center on the grounds of Virginia Highlands Community College on Thursday, June 17, 2010 with its highest attendance on record. The keynote speaker for this year's event was Former Astronaut, Senator Harrison “Jack” Schmitt, who gave thought provoking remarks about the future of energy technology and how the space program will play a significant role in energy in the future. Donald Purdie, Chairman of the Virginia Technology Alliance, introduced the winners of last year’s “Teachers in Space”, a program that sends teachers on zero-g gravity flights. This program enhances the teaching of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the classroom.
After the speaker, several companies and individuals were recognized for Excellence in Technology. Awards were presented by Dan Minahan, Past President-SWVTC, Jeff Webb, President-SWVTC, Donald Purdie, Chairman VTA and Senator Harrison “Jack” Schmitt.
Universal Fibers, Inc, Tim Blankenbecler, Director of the SBDC of Mountain Empire Community College, Crossroads Institute, Washington County/ GIS, Emory and Henry College and Pyott Boone Electronics were awarded Excellence in Technology awards in the areas of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, Education, Government, Green Technologies and Innovation.
The 2010 President’s Award was presented to Jack Kennedy, Clerk of Court of Wise County, for his driven determination and steadfast leadership in advancing Energy and Space exploration in southwestern VA and across the Commonwealth.
Event sponsors for the Awards Banquet were Alpha Natural Resources, Northrop Grumman, Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), Dominion, BVU, Crutchfield Corporation and Verizon. There were also several table sponsorships from regional companies and institutions, and high tech and innovation displays during the evening around the banquet room. The Southwestern Virginia Technology Council was organized in 1999. The Council exists to lead Southwestern Virginians in addressing technology issues for business, education and government with the purpose of enhancing the vitality and social well-being of Southwestern Virginia. Council membership includes businesses, institutions and individuals from the Wytheville region to the far western corner of Virginia.
To find out more about SWVTC, contact: Esther Bolling, Executing Director, SWVTC, PO Box 859, Norton, VA 24273,276-679-7800
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