By Eve Cornell

Chair Award.

The Grand Strand Technology Council has announced the nominees for the 2011 Grand Strand Technology Leadership & Innovation Awards. Winners will be celebrated at an awards presentation at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Horry Georgetown Technical College Conference Center, Grand Strand Campus.

“The time has arrived in the Grand Strand to recognize the role of technology and a number of highly qualified and dedicated technology professionals who are enhancing the region’s business by providing services, products and educational improvements,” said Dr. John Sanders, chair for Grand Strand Technology Council.

Dr. John Sanders.

The Grand Strand Technology Council is recognizing local individuals who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in technology. They are outstanding managers, designers, educators, business executives, team members and other creative people who contribute to bringing technology to life in our region. Nominations are judged on innovation (new or unique, result or technology deployed in the original solution) and degree of difficulty.

Nominations will be reviewed and the winners selected by a qualified panel of judges consisting of technology leaders from throughout the Grand Strand. The 2011 competition will culminate with the awards ceremony at the Horry Georgetown Technical College Conference Center, which is located on the Grand Strand Campus at 950 Crabtree Lane in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

“Horry County is building a more stable economy and increased wages through growth of our industrial and technology base. The Technology Leadership and Innovation Awards are important as they recognize those persons stepping out in front,” said Tom Rice, chairman, Horry County Council.

“As we seek to expand the economic opportunities in the region, recognition of the growth of technology and technology-related activities is critically important. These awards will highlight the interesting activities and capabilities developing on the Grand Strand,” adds CCU president Dr. David A. DeCenzo.

Leadership & Innovation Nominees in each of the three categories are:

1) Technology & Service Advancement – Trey Davis, Mercom Corporation; Jason Essary & Holly Legg, Coastal Carolina University; Paul Reynolds, The Digitel; Lucas Richardson, Horry County Government; Justin Rockwell, Blast Off, Inc.; Scott Van Moppes, Myrtle Beach International Airport; andDon Withers,The Training Company.

2) Technology in the Community – Ted Fortenberry, WMBF News; Ashley Gasperson, Horry County Schools; Andre Pope, Horry-Georgetown Technical College; Paul Reynolds, The Digitel; Lucas Richardson, Horry County Government; and Dave Slusher, CREATE South

3) Technology initiated in Education and/or Charity – Marino De La Cruz, Mercom Corporation; Ashley Gasperson, Horry County Schools; Nicole Hyman, Horry Telephone Cooperative, Inc.; Andre Pope,Horry-Georgetown Technical College; Melissa Schamel, Horry County Schools; Bucky Sellers, Academy for the Arts, Science and Technology; and Virginia Simmons, Horry County Schools.

The public is invited to help the Council recognize these individuals and their organizations for their contributions to technology in the region by attending the Nov. 17 ceremony. All nominees will be acknowledged – with winners in each category receiving a special award.

For additional information, call 978-852-2696.