Microsoft's National Technology Officer to Keynote Annual Technology Council Dinner

Microsoft's National Technology Officer to Keynote Annual Technology Council Dinner

Call for Nominations for VPTC Tech Awards 2005

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The Virginia Piedmont Technology Council (VPTC), the premier organization for promoting and supporting technology businesses in Virginia's Piedmont region, announced that Stuart McKee, the national technology officer for Microsoft Corporation, will be this year's keynote speaker at its annual Tech Awards dinner in May. McKee, who is responsible for driving a comprehensive set of technical and business strategies for Microsoft's U.S. public sector including education, state/local and federal government segments, will discuss "How Technology Is Changing the Way We Live, Work and Play."

As part of the annual event, VPTC is now accepting nominations for its seventh annual Tech Awards. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, February 25, 2005, and award winners will be announced at a dinner to be held on May 3 in Charlottesville. The Tech Awards honors individuals and organizations that are addressing technology issues affecting the Central Virginia region and its markets, and their place in the global economy. Through the creation, commercialization, application or use of technology, award recipients have made noteworthy contributions to the marketplace in the past year.

"The VPTC Tech Awards program is a terrific opportunity to honor those organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our technology community, either by their innovative approach to using technology, educating others about it, or producing it themselves," said Suzanne Jackson, VPTC chairman, and president, Four Leaf Public Relations, LLC. "The breadth of nominees each year illustrates the strength and success of our region as a vibrant center for the new pioneers in technology."

Self-nominations or nominations of others may be submitted on-line at http://www.vptc.org/ or by fax at 434-817-6301 for the following categories:

* Rocket Award, for the technology-based firm or individual that has moved
with noteworthy speed from concept towards commercialization;

* Spotlight Award, for the technology-based firm or individual that has
brought significant positive attention to the region, and spotlighted
the Virginia Piedmont as a world-class technology leader;

* Breakthrough Award, for the technology-based enterprise or individual
for achieving a remarkable breakthrough or quantum advance;

* Community Award, for the technology-based organization that has
demonstrated the greatest commitment to improving the quality of life in
Central Virginia through community involvement;

* Navigator Award, for the individual or entity that has demonstrated
significant leadership in the local or regional high-tech community, and
has been actively involved or made other significant contributions
toward the improvement or advancement of the region's high-tech
development;

* Red Apple Award, for the educator in K-12 or higher education who
clearly and consistently is able to do the most with resources available
in exciting and preparing students for the possibilities in technology.



Winners of last year's VPTC Awards include: Upstate USA, Inc. - RNAi Product Segment (Rocket Award); Blue Ridge Numerics (Spotlight Award); GI Stimulation, Inc. (Breakthrough Award); Albemarle Family (Community Award); Dr. Gene D. Block (Navigator Award); Renee Honaker, Madison County High School (Red Apple Award); and Donna Shirley, Real Estate III, Tracey Linkous, Diffusion Pharmaceuticals (CEO Award).

Given the regional support of the growth and the interest in the technology sector, more than 300 business, government and technology professionals in the Central Virginia region are expected to attend the 2005 Tech Awards ceremony.

"VPTC is a membership organization with the best connections and access to knowledge for anyone with an interest in technology," added Jackson.

For more information about VPTC's seventh annual Tech Awards, please visit the VPTC web site, http://www.vptc.org/, or call 434-817-6300. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Gail Milligan at 434-817-6303 or gmilligan@vptc.org.

About the VPTC

The Virginia Piedmont Technology Council is a membership organization for anyone with an interest in technology. The Council helps businesses succeed by providing visibility opportunities, connections to shared interest groups and decision-makers, and access to the latest technology trends. Twelve volunteer committees help produce 30 programs, attracting more than 1,600 participants annually. Founded in 1997, VPTC is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. Call 434.817.6300 for more information or visit http://www.vptc.org/.


Source: Virginia Piedmont Technology Council

CONTACT: Anne Wein of the Virginia Piedmont Technology Council,
+1-434-817-6300, awein@vptc.org

Web site: http://www.vptc.org/


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