Insight Enterprises Co-founders Eric and Tim Crown to Receive OneNeck IT Services' Lifetime Achievement Award at 2013 Governor's Celebration of Innovation

PHOENIX, Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Technology Council in conjunction with the Arizona Commerce Authority today announced that Eric J. Crown, co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Tempe Arizona-based Insight Enterprises, and his brother Timothy A. Crown, co-founder and current Chairman of the Board, will be presented with the "OneNeck IT Services People's Choice Lifetime Achievement Award" during the 2013 Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards (GCOI) presented by Avnet, Inc.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120203/MM47146LOGO)

This year marks the tenth anniversary of GCOI which is being held on November 14, 2013 at the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 North Third Street, in the West Building, third floor from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  The event is expected to attract more than 1,000 technology industry leaders for an "academy awards" theater-style presentation complete with a technology showcase of over 50 booths, a strolling dinner and an after party with deserts and live music. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at aztechcouncil.org.

Voting for the respected "people's choice" award sponsored by One Neck IT Services is open to the public each year and is conducted online. The award honors an individual or individuals who have greatly impacted the technology industry in Arizona. It 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, Roy Vallee, retired chairmen and CEO of Avnet Inc. in 2011 and former CEO and Chairman of Motorola, Inc., Gary Tooker in 2012.

"We are grateful for the recognition by the technology community in Arizona and are proud of the contributions we've made," said Eric.  "Throughout the history of Insight, we've been committed to encouraging initiatives that are aimed at supporting science, technology and the growth of innovative Arizona firms, thereby creating jobs and fostering economic growth."

Tim added, "As we've evolved, being located in Arizona has given us the flexibility and advantage to work with a pool of talented employees that have had the skills we needed for long-term success."

"Through their exceptional creativity, ingenuity and innovation, Eric and Tim have changed the fabric of our state and their industry," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "They are mentors and motivators who inspire others and continually give back to the community. As the premier Arizona organization that supports and promotes the benefits of science and technology, we are proud to acknowledge and recognize them."

Tim was born in Tucson, Arizona while Eric was born in New York. Eric studied at the Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business and received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems in 1984.

After Eric's graduation, the brothers successfully launched their company by borrowing two thousand dollars on their credit card. They later altered the business and launched Insight Direct which became Insight Enterprises. Following international growth and acquisitions in Canada, Europe and Asia, the company acquired Calence in 2008 and Ensynch in 2011, both of Tempe, Arizona. 

Today, publically traded Insight Enterprises is still headquartered in Tempe and has sales of over five billion dollars annually with over 5,000 employees worldwide in 22 countries. The company has evolved from a business-to-consumer company into a business-to-business organization that delivers value-added products and services.  Some of these include IT lifecycle services, storage, networking, security and software licensing management solutions.

Both Tim and Eric have contributed significantly to Arizona non-profit organizations and educational institutions including Entrepreneurs@ASU where they support the Crown Innovator Scholarship. This scholarship assists entrepreneurial students with $2,000 towards their tuition along with mentorships, contacts and once in a lifetime experiences. 

"Our sincerest congratulations to Eric and Tim for their outstanding leadership and continued commitment to advancing technological innovation in our state," said Sandra Watson, president and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority.  "Insight Enterprises is a true Arizona success story, demonstrating the breadth and depth of talent and innovation taking place in Arizona.  Forward-thinking, progressive private sector business leaders like Eric and Tim continue to position our state as a best place for business in the global marketplace, contributing to a stronger, healthier economy for all of 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.  

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.

SOURCE Arizona Technology Council