Arizona Technology Industry Leaders and Companies Honored at Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards Gala.

Over 1,000 in Attendance as Technology Innovators, Business Leaders, Legislators, Students Recognized for Outstanding Accomplishments

PHOENIX -- This week, the Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards Gala was held in front of a packed house at the Pointe South Mountain Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Ariz., on December 5, 2006. The event, sponsored by Governor Janet Napolitano and hosted by the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Department of Commerce, recognized the technological and business achievements of Arizona's top companies, organizations and individuals.

The announced categories and their respective recipients were:

* The Pioneering Innovation Award: Honeywell International, Phoenix, Ariz. (www.honeywell.com)

* The William F. McWhortor Community Service Leader of the Year Award: Bob Hagen, CEO, Southern Arizona Technology Council-SATC, Tucson, Ariz. (www.fultonhomes.com)

* The Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Award: Gene Holmquist, President and CEO, Ensynch, Inc., Tempe, Ariz. (www.ensynch.com)

* The Innovator of the Year Award - Academia: The Biodesign Institute at ASU, A Pox Against Infectious Disease, Tempe, Ariz. (www.biodesign.asu.edu/)

* The Innovator of the Year Award - Large Company: Avnet, Inc., Tempe, Ariz. (www.avnet.com)

* The Innovator of the Year Award - Small Company: RF Code, Mesa, Ariz. (www.rfcode.com)

* Innovator of the Year Award - Startup: Medipacs, LLC, Tucson, Ariz. (www.medipacs.com)

"Tech 10" Awards

Awards were presented to select legislators who demonstrated a clear understanding of the role technology can and will play in Arizona's economic development. These "Tech 10" awards went to the following individuals who consistently supported legislative initiatives important to the technology community:

* Senator Paula Aboud, District 28

* Senator Timothy Bee, District 30

* Senator Dean Martin, District 6

* Representative Jack Brown, District 5

* Senator Barbara Leff, District 11

* Representative Jennifer Burns, District 25

* Representative Debbie McCune Davis, District 14

* Representative Bill Konopnicki, District 5

* Senator Jim Weiers, District 10

"Tech Legislator of the Year" award given to a legislator who has gone above and beyond in support of moving the technology agenda forward was awarded to:

* Representative Michelle Reagan, District 8

Chairman's Awards

These awards were designed to recognize an individual who consistently demonstrated a "beyond the call of duty" dedication and commitment to serving the advancement of technology and innovation in our state capacity. This year, the award was presented to:

* Dr. Matt Kim, Founder and President, QuantTera and Co-Founder, Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster

* Doug Goodman, Founder and President, Ridgetop Group Inc. and Co-Founder, Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster

The Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster, an Arizona not-for-profit organization, was formed in January 2003 to share and promote technological advances in the fast-growing field of Nanotechnology. Each recipient demonstrates strong business acumen, scientific and technical brilliance, and full expression of the "Collaboration Gene" in the launch and operation of the Arizona Nanotechnology Cluster.

For more information about the Governor's Celebration of Innovation awards visit www.celebration-of-innovation.com.

About the Governor's Celebration of Innovation

The Governor's Celebration of Innovation was established in 2003 by combining two technology award ceremonies: the High Tech Industry Cluster's 17-year student awards ceremony and the Arizona Software and Internet Association's 10-year "Celebration of Innovation." With the addition of the Governor's support, the Governor's Celebration of Innovation has become the premier technology community gathering of its kind in Arizona. The inaugural Governor's Celebration of Innovation took place in November 2003 and was a colossal success with over 1,200 in attendance. For more information on the GCOI, visit http://www.celebration-of-innovation.com.

About The Arizona Technology Council

The Arizona Technology Council is the largest member-driven technology association in the state. The AZ Tech Council represents the interests of over 235,000 employees across more than 500 of the leading technology companies their support firms, educational institutions and state-wide economic development groups that collectively form Arizona's technology community. Donna Kent was named president and CEO of the AZ Tech Council in November 2005. Along with Ms. Kent, the organization is led by chairman of the board Michael Berens, an appointed executive committee and a board of directors comprised of a cross-section of academic, private and public sector professionals. For more information, visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org.

About the Arizona Department of Commerce

Collaborating with economic development partners statewide, the Arizona Department of Commerce works to create jobs, expand the tax base, increase per capita income and promote a globally competitive business environment. The agency provides reliable information and research, community assistance, targeted business attraction and development coupled with strategic workforce development. Nationally and internationally, the Department of Commerce promotes Arizona assets: a growing, high-tech workforce; competitive operating environment; easy access to major markets; affordable, available real estate; reliable utilities; abundant natural resources and an unmatched quality of life. For more information, visit www.azcommerce.com.