Joel Gilbert Named a "Technology Innovation" Finalist for the 2011 Spirit of Endeavor Awards

ATLANTA,  Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Joel Gilbert, P.E. has been named a finalist in the "Technology Innovation" category for the ninth annual Spirit of Endeavor Awards hosted by TechAmerica Georgia and the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG).  The Spirit of Endeavor Awards recognizes and celebrates innovative technology companies and individuals in Georgia that drive new ideas, invigorate the community, and lead people through technology.

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Mr. Gilbert was the only person nominated in three categories—Outstanding Leadership, Technology Entrepreneur, and Technology Innovation. In addition, he was the only finalist named in two categories—Outstanding Leadership and Technology Innovation.

Mr. Gilbert was selected for this nomination for his work creating the most user-friendly and accurate online energy analysis tools in use by millions of Americans and available on more than 600 utility company websites. His genius and passion for advanced mathematical modeling and software development has led to the creation of insightful tools that help customers understand their energy usage and shows them how they can save money and help the environment.   Leading Apogee's top-notch team of Microsoft certified developers, Gilbert has raised the bar on what is possible through merging utility usage information with weather data and other facility parameters to create energy information that makes it easy for customers to understand and take action. In addition to powering the Georgia Energy Challenge website, the tools he designed are available on most of the more than 100 utilities serving Georgians including Georgia Power, the EMCs, and the municipal energy providers. 

The firm he co-founded, APOGEE Interactive, Inc., (www.apogee.net) is the leading provider of online solutions for the energy industry.  The firm provides advanced online energy analysis tools and manages the web presence of hundreds of energy utilities across the US.  Apogee has the distinct industry position of being one of the only RESNET® certified software providers and is recognized for having brought stringent attention to accuracy of energy analysis and intuitive usability.  Apogee's tools are proven to cause behavior change in energy usage that produces long-term energy savings benefiting customers and utilities alike.

"Each of our finalists in the 'Innovative Technology' category is behind some of the most game-changing technology developments in the USA today," said Tino Mantella, president and CEO for the Technology Association of Georgia and TechAmerica Georgia. "We believe these companies and their leaders deserve to be recognized for the impact they are having on their respective industries and Georgia's technology community. And we are proud to offer that recognition through our Spirit of Endeavor awards."

All winners and finalists of the 2011 Spirit of Endeavor Awards were recognized at a special ceremony on December 9, 2011 at the Twelve Hotel, Atlantic Station in Atlanta. The 2011 Spirit of Endeavor Awards are sponsored by Platinum sponsor Concurrent, Gold sponsor ASAP Solutions Group, CorFire, and Silver sponsor Burnette Insurance, CresaPartners, Definition 6, Ernst & Young  and Intel.  A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the TAG Education Collaborative.

For more information and to see a complete list of nominations, please visit: http://www.tagonline.org/Spirit-of-Endeavor.php.

About TechAmerica Georgia

TechAmerica is the largest and strongest voice and resource for technology in the United States and is the industry's leading trade association. TechAmerica Georgia, formerly TechAmerica Southeast, was created in late 2009 under a unique partnership between TechAmerica and the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), which provides operational management for the organization. TAG is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 14,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG's mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia's technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. For more information visit the about TechAmerica Georgia and TAG, visit www.tagonline.org .

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 14,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG's mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia's technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia's technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state's economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG's charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG's community website at www.TAGthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/.

About Apogee

APOGEE Interactive Inc. is an Atlanta-based provider of online technology solutions for the North American energy industry. The company's client list over the years includes virtually all US investor-owned utilities (such as Southern Company, Entergy, and AEP), most leading cooperatives and municipals, and the top national energy-related associations (such as EEI and EPRI).  Formed in 1993, Apogee brought the concept of delivering energy efficiency information to more consumers and utility employees online into a successful business reality. Apogee is now in its 18th year of developing online energy use analysis applications, calculators, educational content, e-courses, and interactive modules that enable utilities to better inform their consumers and enable consumers to better manage their energy costs. 

SOURCE APOGEE Interactive Inc.