Champaign County Economic Development Corporation has announced the finalists for this year’s Innovation Celebration, which is, according the the press release, a “recognition of those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in our community.”
Winners will be announced at the celebration, happening at Parkland College on March 29th. You can find more information about the event here.
Here are this year’s finalists:
Entrepreneurial Excellence: Social Venture Award
Serve as change agents by creating and implementing sustainable solutions to reshape society, benefit humanity, and address social concerns.
The Land Connection
New American Welcome Center at the University YMCA
Urbana-Champaign Independent Media CenterEntrepreneurial Excellence: Student Startup Award
Formed by students in the last three years and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.
RingWing, LLC
HexNest
DeepWalkEntrepreneurial Excellence: New Venture Award
Formed in the last three years, and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.
AirScout, Inc.
EarthSense, Inc.
SimBioSys, Inc.Entrepreneurial Excellence: Paul Magelli Advocacy Award
Actively engage, encourage, coach and mentor entrepreneurs in the community, and provide extensive support to help them achieve success.
Mark Aardsma
Edwin Moore
Roland GartonEntrepreneurial Excellence: Management Award
Demonstrates expertise in assembling resources, creating an organization, and working to build and implement effective action plans.
Landon Frye, Jake Kreider, and Sophie Roney – Granular, Inc.
Shira Epstein and Dan Epstein – Champaign Outdoors / RuggedOutdoors.com
James Langer – SerionixInnovation: Economic Development Impact Award
Has made a significant economic development impact in the community and continues to demonstrate their commitment to Champaign County.
Small Business Incentive Program (City of Champaign)
Lodgic Everyday Community
Matt Cho (Cake Design Development)Winner have already been announced for these catagories:
2019 Innovation Transfer Award—University of Illinois
Recognizes an individual or group from the University of Illinois whose research has resulted in either a discovery or a work with the potential for significant societal impact.
Dr. Andrew Alleyne – Thermosys™ / POETS Engineering Research Center
2019 Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award—University of Illinois
Recognizes an individual or team from the University of Illinois that has channeled their experience living with a disability into positive change through the creation of new products, environments, or protocols that enhance quality of life.
Adam Bleakney – Illinois Wheelchair Athletics
2019 Innovation in Engagement Award—Parkland College
Recognizes an individual or group at Parkland College who has shown support of the college’s community engagement mission.
Peg Boyce – Dental Hygiene Program
Photo by Patrick Singer