BOISE, Idaho - (Business Wire) Winners in the fourth annual Idaho Innovation Awards, presented by Stoel Rives LLP and Kickstand, were honored at a special Awards Banquet last night by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and more than 200 representatives from Idaho’s business, technology, academic and government communities. The 2009 Idaho Innovation Awards winners are as follows (see below for descriptions):
| | | | | | | Commercialized Innovation of the Year |
| | | | | | Ultra-Fast Charging Technology by IVUS Energy Innovations |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | Early-Stage Innovation of the Year |
| | | | | | Precision Nanoparticles by the Idaho National Laboratory and Idaho State University |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | Innovative Company of the Year |
| | | | | | Balihoo |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | Innovator of the Year |
| | | | | | Mark Rivers, Owner and CEO, Brix and Company |
The nominations were judged by a Selection Committee consisting of leaders from Idaho’s business and academic communities. Votes were tallied by accountants at Cooper Norman.
“The quality of the 2009 nominees made this year’s program extremely competitive and represents some of the state’s best leaders in innovative thinking and direction,” said Paul Boyd, Stoel Rives corporate attorney and 2009 Idaho Innovation Awards co-chairman. “It’s always encouraging, but particularly so during a slow economy, to be reminded that successful enterprises and innovative accomplishments are still pushing Idaho’s economy forward. This year’s winners are wonderful examples of the undeniable spirit of ingenuity found among Idaho businesses and its leaders.”
The Idaho Innovation Awards program was expanded beyond the four categories this year to include a new award called the “Governor’s Choice Award.” This award, designed to recognize an Idahoan whose ingenuity and determination epitomize innovation excellence, was presented by Governor Otter to Ground Force Manufacturing President and CEO Ron Nilson.
The state’s only innovation awards program, the Idaho Innovation Awards is presented by Stoel Rives and Kickstand. “The Idaho Innovation Awards program serves as a tremendous venue and opportunity for Idaho residents to receive statewide recognition for their innovative accomplishments,” said Chris Volk, Kickstand immediate past-president and chairman and 2009 Idaho Innovation Awards co-chairman. “Kickstand is proud to be part of that effort and support the incredible innovation that is driving business in Idaho.”
The program is sponsored by the Idaho Business Review, Idaho Department of Commerce, Idaho National Laboratory and Oliver Russell. It also receives support from Cooper Norman, Idaho TechConnect, the Idaho Innovation Council and the Idaho Technology Council.
About Stoel Rives LLP: Stoel Rives is a business law firm providing counseling and litigation services throughout the United States. The firm’s 360 attorneys provide client-focused services to a wide range of clients from 11 offices in seven states. Stoel Rives is regarded as a leader in energy, natural resources, environment, litigation, corporate and intellectual property law. For more information about Stoel Rives please visit www.stoel.com.
About Kickstand: Kickstand is an entrepreneur support organization for Idaho’s innovators, in any industry, who need help from the local community in order to succeed. Kickstand provides live and virtual forums to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial community and promote business creation and growth. With the tagline "network, learn & grow," Kickstand is a non-profit group founded in 2002 by a handful of young technology companies and like-minded service providers who believed they could achieve greater success by sharing ideas and success stories. With some 300 members and three affiliate groups around Idaho, Kickstand provides opportunities for its members to make connections, learn start-up tips, and develop as individuals and members of teams or as "intrapreueurs" inside larger companies. For more information visit www.kickstand.org.
| 2009 Idaho Innovation Awards Winners |
| |
| Commercialized Innovation of the Year | | | Ultra-Fast Charging Technology | | | IVUS Energy Innovations | | | IVUS Energy Innovations created and patented FlashPoint Power Technology, the ultra-fast charging system that enables super-capacitors to be used in handheld consumer products that recharge in 90 seconds, require no replacement batteries, and last over ten years. |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Early-Stage Innovation of the Year | | | Precision Nanoparticles | | | Idaho National Laboratory | | | Precision Nanoparticles is a revolutionary and efficient nanoparticle production technology that delivers uniform, prescribed nanoparticles (1-100 nanometers) using supercritical fluids. |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Innovative Company of the Year | | | | | | Balihoo | | | Balihoo is the premier provider of Local Marketing Automation technology and services to franchises and national brands with local marketing needs. Balihoo brings enterprise-class marketing to the local level and gives national brands full visibility into all local marketing activities and results. |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Innovator of the Year | | | Mark Rivers, CEO and Owner | | | Brix and Company | | | Mr. Rivers is one of Idaho’s most active voices and action leaders in the area of economic development, who is probably best known for “making things happen” and “putting his own skin into the game.” |
Stoel Rives LLP
Nicole Kershaw
Business Development Manager
208-389-9000
nkershaw@stoel.com
