Individuals Honored At VPTC Tech Awards 2004 Dinner
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Two individuals were given special honors at last week's Virginia Piedmont Technology Council (VPTC) Tech Awards 2004 dinner in addition to the six established awards presented to area organizations and individuals. Tracey Linkous of Diffusion Pharmaceuticals and Donna Shirley of Real Estate III were each given the CEO award for outstanding volunteer efforts. VPTC is the premier organization for promoting and supporting technology businesses in Virginia's Piedmont region, and its awards program has been honoring organization and individuals for the last six years.
The CEO Award is presented to the individual who has shown exemplary volunteer contributions. Traditionally, only one person is chosen each year by the VPTC CEO to receive the award, but this year the depth of service that the two winners have provided, made it impossible to choose only one recipient.
"Because the Piedmont region has become home to so many technology-based companies, the VPTC has been able to attract a broad base of members and, in turn, many talented and dedicated volunteers," said Kevin Leibl, VPTC CEO. Leibl added, "We are grateful for the energy and commitment of members like Donna and Tracey; their tireless efforts are a very big part of what makes the VPTC the thriving organization that it is."
"It was a great honor and surprise to receive the CEO award. It has been a pleasure volunteering for this organization for the past four years," said Shirley. "Working with the professional staff of Gail Milligan and Anne Wein make volunteering not only effortless but enjoyable."
VPTC conducts its many programs through a number of committees. Shirley co-chaired the Tech Corps committee and has served on the Tech Awards committee for four years. Linkous brings to VPTC the perspective of a professional working day to day in the life sciences industry, a very distinct and integral segment of the VPTC membership. She has served on the Communications, Biotech, Tech Awards and Connected Community committees.
"Through volunteering for VPTC, my professional network increased exponentially; I made some very valuable connections," said Linkous. "Namely, I met David Kalergis which directly led to a year-long consulting arrangement that in turn led to my full-time position as Diffusion Pharmaceuticals' Communications Director."
The VPTC Tech Awards honor individuals and organizations that use technology to positively impact the region and local, national and international marketplaces. Details on each of the eighteen award finalists and all the award winners for 2004 can be found on VPTC's Web site at http://www.vptc.org/techawards.
About the VPTC
The Virginia Piedmont Technology Council is a membership organization for anyone with an interest in technology. The Council helps businesses succeed by providing visibility opportunities, connections to shared interest groups and decision-makers, and access to the latest technology trends. Twelve volunteer committees help produce 30 programs, attracting more than 1600 participants annually. Founded in 1997, VPTC is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. Call 434-817-6300 for more information or visit http://www.vptc.org/.
Virginia Piedmont Technology CouncilCONTACT: Maureen E. Wellen of Strategic Marketing Solutions,+1-434-825-0086, mwellen225@aol.com, for the Virginia Piedmont TechnologyCouncil; Gail Milligan of the Virginia Piedmont Technology Council,+1-434-817-6303, gmilligan@vptc.ortg