Call for Nominations Now Open for the Arizona Technology Council's 2014 Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards Presented by Avnet, Inc.

PHOENIX, June 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Technology Council in conjunction with the Arizona Commerce Authority, today announced that nominations are now open for the 2014 Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards (GCOI) presented by global technology distributor Avnet, Inc. and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2014. Businesses, academia, and non-profit organizations working in Arizona's technology sector who are utilizing innovative technology solutions to address critical challenges are all encouraged to apply for these independently judged awards.

The awards gala that attracts more than 1,000 attendees will take place on November 13, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Phoenix at the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 North Third Street, in the West Building, third floor.

"We're looking for the coolest, most innovative and disruptive companies that are involved in technology in any stage of growth to apply for this prestigious award," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "We will also be celebrating our teachers, future innovators, community leaders, and legislators that do so much to support both STEM education and technology innovation."

"For more than a decade, GCOI has spotlighted the pioneering spirit of Arizona leaders helping to drive technological advancements and economic growth in our state," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. "Arizona's vibrant innovation ecosystem is strengthened through collaboration among our business, government and academic communities, and GCOI continues to be an important statewide platform for recognizing their contributions, which help to position Arizona as a hub for global innovation.

Nomination forms for the following GCOI 2014 award categories can be downloaded online at http://bit.ly/1k8Xy5r or by e-mailing the Council at [email protected]:

Individual Awards:

• OneNeck IT Services People's Choice Lifetime Achievement Award
• Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year
• William F. McWhortor Community Service Leader of the Year

Company Awards:

• Pioneering Award
• Sustainability Award
• Innovator of the Year - Start-Up Company
• Innovator of the Year - Small Company
• Innovator of the Year - Large Company
• Innovator of the Year - Academia

Tickets for the gala are also now available and can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/1oXdxGx. Registration is $125 for Members and $175 for non-members. Tables of ten, sponsorships and showcase booths can also be purchased online or by contacting Leigh Goldstein at [email protected], 602.343.8324 x 104.

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