Southern Piedmont Technology Council Innovation Stars Banquet 

The Southern Piedmont Technology Council held its annual Innovation Stars Banquet on January 21. Maj. Gen. Roosevelt “Ted” Mercer, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority was the Keynote Speaker for the evening and spoke on how the importance of space and technology within our daily lives and the role it plays in Virginia. 

Throughout the night, seven awards were presented to individuals and organizations in the region for going above and beyond through their daily work within the technology industry. Awards and winners include: 

1. The Chairman’s Award is the most prestigious award. It is awarded to an individual or organization that has shown visionary leadership to promote technology in the Southern Piedmont region. This award is nominated by the SPTC board. Presented to Mid-Atlantic Broadband for their efforts to create the SOVA Innovation Hub.
2. Innovation in Technology – Small business (50 employees or less) The Innovation in Technology Small Business Award is awarded to a company with 50 employees or less that demonstrates excellence in technological innovation. Presented to Maxcess.
3. Innovation in Technology – Large business (Above 50 employees) The Innovation in Technology Large Business Award is awarded to a company with above 50 employees that demonstrates excellence in technological innovation. Presented to PenBay Technology Group. 
4. Innovation in Education, Government or Community Outreach award is awarded to an organization that develops innovative uses of technology to promote and enhance educational opportunities, governmental excellence, community outreach or displays innovative use of technology to deliver services, advance their mission, or impact the community. Presented to Adam Reeves from Southern Virginia Higher Education Center’s IT Academy. 

5. 

   Innovation in Entrepreneurship Honor is awarded to an entrepreneurial company* that demonstrates excellence in technological innovation. Presented to Kegerreis Digital Marketing. 

6. The Rising Star Award is awarded to an individual with a new idea or initiative, or a new business that has made a significant impact on the region utilizing or enabling technology. Presented to Christie Hart.
7. Student Innovator Awards are awarded to a high school or full-time college student that has shown leadership in technology. High school students must attend a school in the SPTC service region. College students must be from the SPTC service region. Presented to Pittsylvania County Career & Technical Center’s Cyber Systems Technology Students.