2007 PALMETTO PILLAR TECHNOLOGY AWARD WINNERS
Winners for the 2007 Palmetto Pillar Technology Awards were presented Thursday, May 17, 2007 at a banquet at the Embassy Suites Hotel.
The 2007 awards winners are:
Community Service Award -Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of SC
The community service award recognizes an organization for establishing and/or supporting innovative, technology based projects and programs that improve the quality of life for a Riverbanks Region community. Contribution may be made in time or in resources and must support one or more Riverbanks Region communities.
City of Columbia, Office of Economic Development: 2007 WINNER!
The Office of Economic Development exists to stimulate and promote sustained economic growth and development throughout the area served by the City of Columbia's water and sewer service. Emphasis is focused on facilitating new job creation and investment through the cooperative recruitment of businesses outside of Columbia, as well as the expansion of existing businesses and the nurturing of an entrepreneurial environment through a business friendly government.
Individual Achievement Award- Sponsored by Time Warner Cable
The Individual Achievement Award honors an individual who exhibits a commitment to the advancement of technology in the Riverbanks Region through his/her technology-oriented contributions. Such contributions may be business, civic and/or educational in nature and must benefit the Riverbanks Region.
Dr. Stephen W. Hefner Richland School District 2: 2007 WINNER!
Dr. Stephen W. Hefner, Superintendent of Richland School District Two, has blazed a highly visible cyber trail for the district?s students, faculty, and staff, and under his leadership, Richland Two has achieved acclaim as a national leader in instructional technology.
Dr. Hefner has received numerous national and state honors for leadership in technology education. He was one of 16 superintendents to receive the President's Technology Award from the American Association of School Administrators, one of 10 superintendents to be named as a Tech-Savvy Superintendent by e-School News, and one of 4 superintendents to be named Leader of the Year by Technology and Learning magazine.
In 2006 Richland Two was recognized by the National School Boards Association as one of its three showcase districts. In 2007, the district was selected as a NSBA Technology and Learning Network national site visit program for its exemplary district-wide technology implementation.
In Richland Two, thanks to our visionary superintendent, board of trustees, and faculty, our students are living the learning, and their classroom experiences are dramatically enriched through the use of technology.
Technology Application Award- Sponsored by Willoughby & Hoefer, P.A.
The technology application award recognizes a company or organization for the innovative application of an existing technology for internal purposes or commercial use.
South Carolina Geodetic Survey Department: 2007 WINNER!
The South Carolina Geodetic Survey (SCGS) is a branch office within the Office of Research and Statistics which is located in the Budget and Control Board. The SCGS was officially established on July 1, 1978 with Captain Sidney Miller, NOAA Retired as its first Chief until 1998 when Lewis Lapine took over. The office is responsible for maintaining and the geodetic control network in the state. The network is a set of concrete monuments that have precise coordinates and elevations. The network has been expanded through the conduct of 60 separate projects and the creation of 5974 new monuments representing a 35% increase when most states have experienced a 20% lost of monuments. The number and density of monuments is necessary to support commercial development. The SCGS is charged with introducing the latest surveying technology for the benefit of the surveying profession. In subsequent years the SCGS became responsible for creating a seamless, color, digital base map for the state. The state is now has completely mapped at a scale of 1:4800 with most urban areas mapped at 1:2400 scale (10 times more resolution and accuracy as the USGS topographic map series). The SCGS was recently given responsibility for maintaining the E911 centerline files for the state.
Technology Development Award -Sponsored by DP Professionals, Inc.
The technology development award recognizes a company or organization for the development of a new or improved technology-based product, process or service that may be utilized for internal purposes or commercial use.
Richland County Government, Information Technology Department: 2007 WINNER!
Richland County's IT/GIS Department launched an Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) system. Sophisticated technologies were combined to improve the operational excellence of various departments by monitoring non-emergency vehicle locations and movements. This was accomplished through the deployment of GPS, VHF radio, microwave, and database technologies.
The project has been a resounding success. Over 100 non-emergency vehicles from several county departments are now being monitored. The list includes Roads & Drainage, Animal Care, Building Permits, Business Service Center, and more. This system is streamlining government operations within the county and its success will certainly grow as the system expands to more departments.
Technology in Education Award -Sponsored by Alltel
The technology in education award recognizes a company or organization for the application or development of innovative, technology-based projects and programs that impact education in the Riverbanks Region.
Accelerations Educational Software: 2007 WINNER!
Accelerations Educational Software (AES) is a Columbia-based software developer of learning aids for individuals with autism and other learning disabilities. AES's mission is to create robust, effective, and yet affordable educational software to improve the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. AES incorporates behavioral psychology methods to create independent learners even out of individuals that take one-on-one instruction. AES now helps students in over 550 school districts, over 70 private schools, and many homes mostly in the US and Canada. AES will soon release a second significant contribution to the learning disabilities community.
Small Enterprise Award -Sponsored by EngenuitySC
The Small Enterprise Award Recognizes a small business entity, defined as an organization with fewer than 50 full-time employees or less than $20 million in revenue, for the innovative application or development of a technology-based product, process or service.
Rhythmlink International, LLC: 2007 WINNER!
Rhythmlink was founded in 2002 by Brett Netherton, Michael O?Leary and Shawn Regan, teaming engineering, neurodiagnostic and business expertise to grow the company into what is now a multi-million dollar neurodiagnostic accessory manufacturer. We have listened and continue to listen to the neurodiagnostic professional who use our products, primarily small needle and surface electrodes placed on the patient to record or stimulate from nerves being monitored by neurodiagnostic clinicians.
Rhythmlink sold its first product in April 2003. Since opening, both our distribution and OEM customers have appreciated products of uncompromising quality and service that is unmatched in its responsiveness. This reputation and commitment to technical excellence allows us to maintain leadership in all of the markets we serve.
Easy Benefits: 2007 WINNER!
EasyBenefits, LLC has web-based tools for Human Resource administration of employee benefits, employee benefit enrollment, payroll interface, and new employee acquisition. We are useful to intermediate to medium large sized businesses with administrative capabilities to automate the hiring of new employees, electronic storage and management of employee benefits, payroll data, and new hire data. The software includes services to automate the backend workflow that is related to the functions of the HR department.
Scholarships:
In a continuing tradition that began seven years ago at the first Palmetto Pillar Awards, and in recognition of the need for a highly prepared and educated workforce; to promote technology education in the Midlands, the ITC offers two scholarships for the Information Systems Technology Department of Midlands Technical College.
The two ITC Scholarship winners are: Mr. Donald Lemaster & Mr. Phillip Grant
The Chamber and the Information Technology Council would like to congratulate all the finalists and winners of the 2007 Palmetto Pillar Technology Awards and to thank the sponsors:
Presenting sponsor: AT&T
Platinum sponsors: DP Professionals, Tomlin & Company, SC Technology Alliance, SC Launch!
For more details please contact Kendall Johnson at 733-1138, or kjohnson@columbiachamber.com
About the ITC
The Columbia Information Technology Council is an assemblage of technology leaders promoting Columbia as a desirable location for IT companies. Drawing upon their combined knowledge and experience, the ITC identifies, cultivates and promotes those characteristics that IT businesses require for efficient and successful operations. Members endeavor to help develop a well-educated and dynamic workforce, provide guidance based on their professional expertise, and advance the amenities offered by the Greater Columbia Area.
Who should join?
If you have an interest in stimulating and facilitating the growth and awareness of technology-based businesses in Columbia, South Carolina then you need to be a part of our team.
Membership and active participation in the Columbia Information Technology Council directly enhances Columbia's business climate for technology-based businesses and the companies that support them. Membership in the ITC is an investment in Columbia's economic future.
