YTA to present Inaugural Awards Program June 17th on 27th Anniversary

Three area tech companies to be recognized at YTA Technology Leadership Awards

MARKHAM, ON, June 2 /CNW/ - On June 17, 2010 the York Technology Association will recognize three tech companies and their leaders; selected as Most Promising Start-up, Scale-up Company of the year, and the overall Company of the Year from amongst the thousands of technology companies within the reach of the YTA throughout York Region and the Greater Toronto Area.

Kevin Tribe, 2010 Chair of the YTA, will present the YTA Technology Leadership Awards at the June 17 Awards and Member Recognition Luncheon, on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the start of the YTA. "Many tech companies have excelled in the tough economic climate of recent," Mr. Tribe, an experienced technology company executive and now Managing Director of Tequity Inc. observed, "the recipients of these inaugural YTA Technology Leadership Awards are three that demonstrate outstanding innovation and leadership in their field, and they have each grown in their own contribution toward developing and leading the technology community within the York and greater Toronto regions. Through their own initiatives and through their participation in the Canadian tech community, they have raised awareness of their own achievement and that of the Toronto-centered cluster which the YTA is pleased to serve."

Leaders of the three companies will participate in a panel discussion on the factors that contributed to their success and share their insights on things to watch out for as others seek to replicate and surpass these achievements. Hear CEO, CTO, and Founder discuss their efforts and their angst in the establishment, growth and challenges of being a tech company leader today.

Platinum sponsor of the YTA Technology Leadership Awards, Meyers Norris Penny LLP's Senior Regional Managing Partner for Ontario, Paul Dunnett noted, "The technology community represents one of the most enterprising and dynamic industries in Canada and we are proud to help recognize your members' achievements."

Incoming chair Ms. Marie Wiese invites technology companies from throughout the York and greater Toronto regions to join in the celebration and collaboration at the June 17 luncheon, "This YTA event has become a must-do networking event within the technology community as it marks the end of one programming year and the launch of another within the tech cluster. Over 100 companies have joined the YTA in the last 18 months and each enjoys the opportunity to collaborate, connect, and grow with the support and insight of each other. The YTA is in welcoming economic development hub for the tech community and we invite you to come out and share in the success of our award recipients."

    
    2010 YTA Technology Leadership Award Recipients

    YTA 2010 Company of the Year: Compugen Inc.   CEO Mr. Harry Zarek

    This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated business
leadership and excellence in innovation and a commitment to the
knowledge-based sector in the York and Greater Toronto Regions and possibly
throughout Canada. Consideration in this category requires increasing
profitability, community involvement and thought leadership, and demonstration
of sound business fundamentals. A minimum of 8 years in business is required
for judges to investigate the organization's growth and track record. A
confidential process is used to validate key performance data.

    YTA Scale-up Company of the Year: Solidifi Inc.   CTO Ryan Smith

    This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated excellence in
innovation and a commitment to the knowledge-based sector in the York and
Greater Toronto Regions while consistently reaching new customers or
delivering new services within an existing customer, increasing revenues,
adding employees, encouraging community involvement and embracing sound
business fundamentals. A minimum of three and maximum of ten years in
operation is required for judges to investigate positive growth and a proven
track record. A confidential process is used to validate key performance data.

    YTA Most Promising Start-up: gShift Labs   Co-Founder and CEO Krista
                                               LaRiviere

    This award is presented to a York and Greater Toronto Region organization
that has the greatest potential to demonstrate excellence in their business.
While embracing a commitment to the knowledge-based sector the organization
has steadily increased revenue, added employees, and embraced sound business
fundamentals including the addition of an advisory board or board of
directors. This category is reserved for operations that have been established
for three years or less. A confidential process is used to validate key
performance data.

    The York Technology Association

    The YTA is a member directed economic development hub, offering
opportunities for peer collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing
essential to the growth of tech businesses and their people. Participation in
the YTA uniquely places members at the centre-point of Canada's leading
technology corridor, with a connection to more than 10,000 leaders and
influencers of the technology cluster in the York and Greater Toronto regions.
The YTA offers 11 unique peer to peer monthly meetings, monthly topical issues
luncheons, and workshops specifically targeted to provide the growth-oriented
tech company with essential 'shortcuts to success'.

    Event:      YTA Inaugural Technology Leadership Awards and Member
                Recognition Luncheon
    Date:       June 17, 2010
    Time:       11:30 am - 2:30 pm
    Location:   Le Parc Banquet and Convention Centre
                8432 Leslie Street   Markham, ON

    Register:   www.yorktech.ca/calendar
    

For further information: Patrick Shaw, Executive Director York Technology Association, p. [phone], e. [email protected]