The Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority today announced that nominations are now open for the 2016 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards (GCOI) presented by Avnet and will be accepted until 5 p.m. MST on Friday, July 15, 2016. Businesses, academia and non-profit organizations working in Arizona’s technology sector that are utilizing innovative technology solutions to address critical challenges are encouraged to apply for these independently judged awards.

The awards gala that attracts more than 1,000 attendees will take place on Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Phoenix at the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 North Third Street, in the West Building. Early Bird tickets are available now and can be purchased online here.

“These awards honor companies in all stages of growth that are contributing to a thriving tech sector in Arizona and creating wealth for our economy,” said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. “We encourage all applications and hope everyone will join us for the annual event that draws hundreds of fellow innovators into a nexus of powerful networking opportunities.”

“Arizona continues to receive national attention for success stories that are driving transformation and increasing our talent base,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “It’s important for us to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the business leaders, teachers, students, community leaders, and legislators who are making significant contributions to our technology and innovation ecosystem.”

Nomination forms for the following GCOI 2016 award categories can be downloaded online at https://www.aztechcouncil.org/event/gcoi2016/ or by e-mailing the Council at events@aztechcouncil.org:

Individual Awards:

  • Ed Denison Award
  • William F. McWhorter Award

Company Awards:

  • Pioneering Award
  • Start-Up Company Award
  • Small Company Award
  • Large Company Award
  • Academia Award

Early bird registration to attend the event is $125 for members and $175 for non-members, and is available until Thursday, September 15. A group of 10 tickets can also be purchased online. Sponsorships and showcase booths can be purchased by contacting Leigh Goldstein at lgoldstein@aztechcouncil.org, (602) 422-9462.

About the Arizona Technology Council

The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies. Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact on the technology industry. These interactions contribute to the Council’s culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org.

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries. Visit azcommerce.com for more.

About Avnet, Inc.

From components to cloud and design to disposal, Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) accelerates the success of customers who build, sell and use technology globally by providing them with a comprehensive portfolio of innovative products, services and solutions. Avnet is a Fortune 500 company with revenues of $27.9 billion for the fiscal year 2015. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.