With over 150 nominations across 6 categories, the list of nominees included the foremost individuals and companies within the Illinois technology community.  From the broad range of products, services, and businesses in all stages of development, the 2010 finalists represent the growing vitality of the Illinois’ technology ecosystem.  The finalists chosen from the esteemed list of nominees are:

CityLIGHTS Award: Given to an individual who has made a significant impact on the Illinois Technology community:

• Tom Churchwell
• Hyde Park Angels
• Jack Noonan
• SocialDevCamp
• Howard Tullman, Flashpoint Academy 

CEO of the Year Award: Given to an individual who has driven his/her company to prominence in the past year

• Godard Abel, Big Machines
• Michael Alter, SurePayroll Inc.
• Dean Fischer, West Monroe Partners
• Jim Gagnard, SmartSignal Corporation
• Brian Gamache, WMS Industries Inc.
• Jeff Hogan, HyperQuest, Inc.
• Dan Jauernig, Classified Ventures, LLC
• Steve LaVoie, ArrowStream, Inc. 

Spotlight Award: Given to the CTO/CIO for leadership and outstanding contributions in the application of technology

• Don Baker, MediaBank
• John Barnes, Model Metrics
• Michael Brooks, GATX Corporation
• John Carlisle, Ph.D., Advanced Diamond Technologies
• Tormod Larsen, ExteNet Systems Inc.
• Stuart Scholly, Physicians Interactive

Lighthouse Award: Given to the company which best represents the region’s growing stature as home to world-class technology companies

• Acquity Group
• Electronic Knowledge Interchange
• Fieldglass
• Groupon
• Nalco Company
• Ocean Tomo
• Redbox
• The SAVO Group
• Tripp Lite
• Vibes Media

Rising Star Award: Given to the company which has emerged from its start-up phase to distinguish itself in the technology marketplace  

• Accertify
• Akoo
• Arroweye Solutions Inc.
• Bias Power Inc.
• Cleverbridge
• Context Media Inc.
• Echo Global Logistics, Inc.
• GrubHub.com
• InXpo
• Liquidus Marketing

Newcomer Award: Given to the company that has the strongest potential to emerge from its start-up phase and distinguish itself in the technology marketplace

• Agent511
• Appolicious Inc.
• Compliance11
• FLEx Lighting LLC
• GeeYee
• HaveMyShift
• In Context Solutions
• ProOnGo LLC
• SoCore Energy
• TickIt Trading Systems

As in past years, public voting will determine the winners by award with the exception of the CityLIGHTS Award winner, which is determined by the ITA Board of Directors. Voting will open online at www.itacitylights.org on April 5, 2010.

ITA CityLIGHTS will be held on April 29, 2010 in the Great Hall at Chicago Union Station.  The event is attended by more than 700 entrepreneurs, investors, corporate executives, and technology champions from the breadth and depth of Illinois business.  To sponsor, purchase a table or tickets to the event, visit http://www.itacitylights.org/register.  The Awards Gala is an opportunity for the industry to connect, dine, socialize, and celebrate the continued success of the technology community in Illinois and the growing importance of this economic sector.