Illinois Technology Association Recognizes Technology Leaders as 2011 ITA CityLIGHTS Award Finalists

The Board of Directors of The Illinois Technology Association (News - Alert), a source of accelerated growth for the technology industry of Illinois, has proudly unveiled the finalists for the 2011 ITA CityLIGHTS Award. The ITA CityLIGHTS Awards are an annual celebration of the growth and vitality of the local technology community. Celebrating its 12th Year, CityLIGHTS recognizes some of the leading technology companies and individuals in our community whose innovation and success are driving growth in Illinois.

Award categories include the Newcomer Award, the Best Strategic Use of Technology Award, the New Concept Award, the Rising Star Award, the Lighthouse Award, the Technologist of the Year Award, the CEO of the Year Award, and the CityLIGHTS Award.

Sandee Kastrul, President and Founder, i.c. stars, which provides opportunities for inner-city young adults in Chicago, has been nominated for harnessing the strength of the Internet economy for social and economic empowerment.  Matt Moog, Founder, Viewpoints, is nominated for his support of the local technology community and the development of Built In Chicago. Built in Chicago's mission is to connect, educate and promote the growing digital community in Chicago. Howard A. Tullman, President and CEO, Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy is nominated for his support of the local technology community as a whole. He has led the recovery of many companies, volunteered his time to various organizations over the years and continues to be an ambassador of the industry.

"We are thrilled to recognize the CityLIGHTS Award Finalists who do so much to help the local technology ecosystem grow," said Fred Hoch, President, ITA. "The group of local leaders nominated for this award was outstanding as were the technology companies across the board. The level of competition in 2011 has set a new record in every category -- number and quality of nominations, stature and commitment of the judges, as well as the number of voters! The industry is driving the economic recovery of the region."

Winners of all 2011 ITA CityLIGHTS Awards will be named at the Gala on May 12, 2011, at historic Chicago Union Station. The event is an opportunity for the industry to connect with other technology executives, entrepreneurs, industry and civic leaders, corporate executives and investors in the region for an evening of dining, socializing, and celebration. This diverse group comes together annually for ITA (News - Alert) CityLIGHTS with a focus on the role of technology in Illinois and the expansion and support of breakthroughs.