Now's the Time to Submit Nominations for the 2008 NCTA 21 Awards

RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) formally announces the call for nominations for the 2008 NCTA 21 Awards. NCTA is the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina and hosts this prestigious event in partnership with Grant Thornton, a leading accounting, tax and business advisory firm. This event brings together more than 500 leaders from across North Carolina to celebrate the best of the best in technology, innovation and excellence, and the awards ceremony is a must-attend for the technology community. The deadline for submitting nominations for the 21 Awards is Tuesday, September 30, 2008.

This year, NCTA has introduced four new categories including: Most Innovative Use of Technology, Top Industry Driven Technology of the Year, Green Company of the Year and Technology Executive of the Year. And to make the process even easier, you may now submit nominations online. For more information on all 21 Awards categories, criteria and eligibility information, nomination submissions or details on sponsorship, please visit www.nctechnology.org.

The NCTA 21 Awards are grouped in five categories: Technology Industry Awards, Stage of Development Awards, Functional Awards, Leadership Awards and Excellence Awards. Each year, NCTA also presents an Outstanding Achievement Award to an individual who has demonstrated a career-long commitment to the advancement of the IT industry. Grant Thornton will oversee the awards selection process, in collaboration with past and present NCTA chairpersons.

“Each year, we anticipate a strong and deserving list of nominees for NCTA’s 21 Awards, and 2008 is no exception,” said Cal Hackman, National Managing Partner – Technology Industry Practice with Grant Thornton. “This marks the 15^th year that the 21 Awards Program has celebrated milestone achievements and progress of North Carolina’s technology industry. Companies do not have to be a member of the Association to be nominated or receive an award. This is NCTA’s chance to honor special individuals and companies who have the passion to lead, innovate and create on both local and global levels.”

The 2008 awards gala will be held on November 13 at the Embassy Suites hotel in Cary, North Carolina and will be attended by more than 500 technology executives and thought leaders throughout North Carolina. The theme for this year’s event is appropriately “Cast Your Vote for the Election of 2008.” Finalists will be announced mid-October. To view a list of winners from the 2007 NCTA 21 Awards, visit www.nctechnology.org.

About NCTA

The North Carolina Technology Association’s mission is “Making North Carolina #1 in Technology and Technology #1 in North Carolina.” The organization does this through three main focus areas: executive engagement, public affairs, and enabling member transition to a technology-enabled workplace. For more information, visit our website at www.nctechnology.org.

North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA)
Kris K. Stanfield
Director of Communications
919-856-0393 ext. 228
kstanfield@nctechnology.org