-TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011-NOMINATE TECH SAVVY BUSINESS OR ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR TODAY

!Wenatchee- GWATA, the NCW technology alliance is pleased to announce the annual InnovatorAwards Luncheon on Tuesday, March 29, 2011. GWATA, celebrating eleven years, is a regional organization founded in 2000 to promote a vibrant technology-based economy benefiting thecitizens and communities of North Central Washington. GWATA’s core values are to connect people and resources, provide an exchange of ideas, create a culture that encourages entrepreneurs, and to support innovators around North Central Washington.

Since 2001, GWATA has presented an Award Luncheon and recognized technology-based businesses in our region. Currently, GWATA is accepting sponsorship for the awards luncheonfrom $250 to $5000. Each year, there are two awards given; a Tech Savvy Business of the Year Award and an Entrepreneur of the Year award. In 2009, the organization added the FutureTechnology Leaders award. The Tech Savvy Business is defined as an organization or entity that has successfully applied technology to one or more aspects of their operations to improve their efficiencies and an Entrepreneur is defined as a person who develops a new innovative product or service or establishes as new enterprise to bring a new or existing product to the marketplace.

Previous award winners from around Central Washington are as follows:

Tech Savvy Business

2010 Wenatchee Valley Medical Center

2009 Mike Harvey, Moses Lake Industries

2008 Mark Bolz, Confluent Data Systems

2007 Roger Erlandsen, Erlandsen & Associates, Inc.

2004 Jerry Isenhart, GoLakeChelan.com

2003 Lorne Brown, Lovitt Cider

2002 Bernie Schell, Pak it Rite

Entrepreneur of the Year

2010 Dan Carr and Candy Mecham, Cured by Visconti’s

2009 Daniel Pirestani, Systematech

2008 John McQuaig, McQuaig & Welk, PLLC

2007 Valda Sarty, Sarty Mountain, Inc.

2006 Andy Metcalfe, NTI

2003 Scott Berglin, Berglin Corporation

2002 Chris Raines, Sun Graphics

2001 JC Baldwin, GTC Technical Support

Future Technology Leaders

2010 Kelsey Taylor & Waterville 4th grade class

2009 WHS Solar Drag Team

GWATA is pleased to recognize technology based businesses and Entrepreneurs throughout NorthCentral Washington. “It is important to recognize businesses, individuals and students who are bringing innovation to our region,” states Jenny Rickel, GWATA President. GWATA is accepting nominations until February 22, 2011. For more information on GWATA, the technology alliance, membership, luncheon sponsorship or nomination forms, visit www.gwata.org.

NOTE TO THE MEDIA: PLEASE CONTACT, AMY LEWIS, 509.661.9000.