Arizona Technology Council Marks a Decade of Honoring Technology in Arizona with 2013 Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards

PHOENIX, July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Technology Council in conjunction with the Arizona Commerce Authority, today announced that tickets are now available for the 2013 Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards (GCOI) presented by Avnet, Inc.  The awards gala will take place on November 14, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Phoenix in the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 North Third Street, in the West Building.

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This year marks the tenth anniversary of this prestigious event that honors technology leaders and innovators from across the state and attracts more than 1,000 attendees for a night of networking, food and entertainment. For 2013, the event will consist of a technology showcase of over 50 booths, a strolling dinner, an "academy awards" theater-style presentation and an after party complete with specialty deserts and live music.

"Over the past ten years, this awards ceremony has been devoted to recognizing the state's best and brightest technology innovators, community leaders, and legislators," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "We look forward to the next ten years as the industry continues to grow, create jobs and drive the economic health of Arizona."

Nomination for the GCOI 2013 award categories are now closed, with the exception of the OneNeck IT Services Lifetime Achievement Award. Online voting for the highest honor in the industry will begin Monday, August 5, 2013. 

Award Nominees are:

• Eric Crown, Founder and former Chairman of Insight Enterprises and his brother Timothy A. Crown, current Chairman of the Board, Insight Enterprises
• Barbara Barrett, President & CEO, Triple Creek Ranch
• Bob Parsons, Executive Chairman and Founder, GoDaddy.com

"Through its ten-year history, GCOI has recognized leaders that have been transforming our community into a hub for science and technology excellence," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. "Maintaining this culture of innovation, coupled with Arizona's entrepreneurial spirit, lays the foundation for continued economic prosperity."

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 leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy.  The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries. Visit AzCommerce.com for more.

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SOURCE Arizona Technology Council