Palmetto Pillar Awards Applications Now Being Accepted
Friday, April 08, 2011
The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Information Technology Council is now accepting applications for the annual Palmetto Pillar Awards.
The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 13th annual Palmetto Pillar Awards. The Palmetto Pillar Awards is the highest honor given to professionals and companies using technology in the Greater Midlands region. The theme for this year’s awards is “The Art of Technology.” A special Pillar of Technology in the Arts award will be presented this year to recognize artists in any medium who either use information technology to create their art or promote information technology through art. Art organizations that use information technology in an innovative way to promote their group also will be considered.
The Palmetto Pillar Awards Application is available here.
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Palmetto Pillar Awards will be given in the following categories:
Pillar of Student Achievement
The Pillar of Student Achievement award honors a student who exhibits a commitment to the advancement of technology.
Criteria include high academic achievement and above average dedication to educational and professional goals. Technology-related work experience (academic or otherwise) and community service also will be considered.
Pillar of One to Watch
The Pillar of One to Watch award recognizes the senior level IT employee, manager, or director who is most likely to become the decision maker of the future.
Nominees should have demonstrated experience of upward career movement and the execution of sound IT business decisions.
Pillar of Leadership in Technology
The Pillar of Leadership in Technology award is given to a chief information officer, chief technology officer or other technology executive who has demonstrated vision, leadership and support of technology initiatives.
Nominees should have a clear record of driving the use of technology, a demonstrated ability to identify future needs, and a passion for serving their business through technology.
Pillar of Public Service through IT
The Pillar of Public Service through IT award is given to government employees or teams who have designed, developed, deployed or improved existing systems that directly deliver services more efficiently and effectively to the public.
Criteria include demonstrating a creative, unique, and resourceful use of technology to better serve the public.
Pillar of Start-up Venture
The Pillar of Start-up Venture award recognizes the start-up company that develops new, innovative information technology related products or services.
Criteria include the level of innovation in the product or business model and demonstrated sustainability. Nominees should have started their IT business in the past two years and shown support of IT initiatives.
Pillar of Technology in the Arts
The Pillar of Technology in the Arts award is a special award given this year to recognize artists in any medium who either use information technology to create their art or promote information technology through art. Art organizations that use information technology in an innovative way to promote their group also will be considered.
Criteria include the most innovative intersection of information technology and art that also delivers a positive message that serves to promote information technology and the arts.
Pillar of Licensed IT Product
The Pillar of Licensed IT Product award is given to the business or organization that creates innovative licensable software and/or hardware solutions that helps address their clients’ needs and allows those clients to meet the needs of their customers, increase return on investment, and/or better meet their business objectives.
Criteria will be based upon the following weighting system: 33% for originality of product or service, 33% for measureable positive impact on user’s business or organization, and 34% for innovativeness of product or service.
Pillar of Custom Application Development
The Pillar of Custom Application Development award recognizes the developers of a custom-built software solution that addresses an internal business need or increases revenue, efficiency and/or productivity.
Criteria will be based upon the following weighting system: 33% for originality of product or service, 33% for measureable positive impact on user’s business or organization, and 34% for innovativeness of product or service.
Pillar of Cloud Services
The Pillar of Cloud Services award recognizes hosted service provider technology companies that excel in providing innovative technology solutions that help their clients drive business, maximize efficiency, reduce costs and achieve short-term and long-term goals.
Criteria will be based upon the following weighting system: 33% for originality of product or service, 33% for measureable positive impact on user’s business or organization, and 34% for innovativeness of product or service.
Pillar of IT Infrastructure Services
The Pillar of IT Infrastructure Services award is given to the business, team, or organization that uses cutting edge or creative solutions to enhance existing infrastructure or better execute IT network management and administration.
Criteria will be based upon the following weighting system: 33% for originality of product or service, 33% for measureable positive impact on user’s business or organization, and 34% for innovativeness of product or service.
Nominations are free and open to the public. Top recipients will be honored at an awards banquet on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 701 Whaley Street.
To apply for a Palmetto Pillar Award or nominate a company or individual, please contact Kendall Davis at 803.733.1138 or kdavis@columbiachamber.com.
Deadline for nominations is July 1, 2011.