Former Motorola Chairman Gary Tooker to Receive OneNeck IT Services' Lifetime Achievement Award at 2012 Governor's Celebration of Innovation

PHOENIX, Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Technology Council in conjunction with the Arizona Commerce Authority, today announced that Gary Tooker, former chairman of the board and CEO of Motorola Inc. will be presented with the "OneNeck IT Services People's Choice Lifetime Achievement Award" during the 2012 Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards (GCOI) presented by Avnet, Inc. event on November 8, 2012 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

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"I am truly grateful and humbled be this honor and thank my friends and all those who voted for me," said Gary Tooker, former Chairman and CEO of Motorola Inc. "I share the honor with my wife, Diane, our family, and all the wonderful Motorolans who worked with me here in Arizona and around the world during my 37 year career.  Without them, there would have been few accomplishments.  I would also like to share it with all of my hard working and dedicated colleagues who are advancing the technology sector in Arizona."

Gary added, "As we face a number of fundamental global challenges across many technological disciplines, it is more important than ever to remain focused on keeping Arizona competitive by building our future technology workforce and supporting our technology community.  It is imperative that we equip our K-12 young people with the science and math skills that will allow them to pursue STEM careers."

The prestigious "people's choice" award was given to renowned architect Paolo Soleri in 2008, former Intel CEO and chairman, Craig Barrett in 2009, Steve Sanghi, president, CEO and chairman, Microchip Technology in 2010 and Roy Vallee, executive chairman of the board of Avnet Inc. in 2011.  

"Gary is internationally recognized as one of the true visionary leaders of the U.S. electronics and information industry and we are proud to present him with this award," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "Throughout his illustrious journey, Gary remained deeply committed to the success of Arizona's technology industry and the ASU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences."

A distinguished innovator with technical savvy, Tooker joined Motorola's Semiconductor Division in Arizona in 1962, following his graduation from ASU. After rising to general manager of the Semiconductor Products Sector, he was elected chief corporate staff officer and a director of Motorola in 1986. He became chief operating officer in 1988, president in 1990, and vice chairman and chief executive officer in 1993. He was elected chairman of the Board of Directors in 1996. Tooker retired from Motorola at the end of 1999, remaining a company director until 2001. He has also served as a board chairman of the Semiconductor Industry Association, the American Electronics Association and the Pacific Basin Economic Council.

Tooker is also retired from the board of directors of Avnet, Inc., and the Eaton Corporation. He is a volunteer and advisor to the ASU Fulton School of Engineering, which has presented him with its Excellence Award.  He has received a Distinguished Alumnus Award and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from ASU, is a trustee of the ASU Foundation and has served on the board of directors of ASU's Research Park in Tempe.

"This prestigious award is an example of the incredible achievement in innovation helping transform our state and build a stronger economy," said Sandra Watson, Interim President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority.  "Our sincerest congratulations to Gary Tooker for his outstanding leadership and continued commitment to advancing technological innovation in Arizona."  

The remaining Individual and Corporate Innovator and Pioneer award winners will also be honored at GCOI including Future Innovators (Arizona students), Arizona Teacher of the Year, Tech Ten Awards (Arizona legislators) plus Arizona Senator of the Year and Arizona Representative of the Year.  

In addition to a night of networking, awards, food, and entertainment, the event will feature a Technology Showcase with over 50 booths, providing an opportunity for award finalists and sponsors to discuss and demonstrate their exceptional products and services to the over one thousand attendees. Awards will be presented in a theatre-style format followed by a sit-down and plated dinner. Tickets for the prestigious awards gala with the theme of "100 Years of Innovation: 1912-2012" can be purchased online at aztechcouncil.org.

About the Arizona Technology Council

The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona's premier trade association for science and technology companies.  Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact on the technology industry.  These interactions contribute to the Council's culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org.

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's aggressive, premier economic development agency tasked with improving Arizona's overall economy through the creation of quality jobs.  The ACA focuses on the attraction of valuable business to Arizona, the expansion of existing business and the creation of new business.   Target industries include aerospace and defense, semiconductors, bioscience, optics and renewable energy.  Visit azcommerce.com for more.

SOURCE Arizona Technology Council