2018 Innovation Celebration Winners Announced

CHAMPAIGN, IL, March 30, 2018 – Over 300 people gathered at Parkland College for the 13th Annual Innovation Celebration on the evening of Thursday, March 29th to recognize those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in our community.

 

Innovation Celebration is not merely an award for accomplishment, but a benchmark of success for those outstanding individuals, organizations and corporations who are nominated and selected to receive this prestigious award.

 

Innovation Celebration is hosted by the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the University of Illinois, Parkland College, and community sponsors. For more information, visit www.innovationcelebration.com. 

 

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Social Venture Award

Serve as change agents by creating and implementing sustainable solutions to reshape society, benefit humanity, and address social concerns.

 

Salt & Light

 

 

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Student Startup Award

Formed by students in the last three years and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.

 

Mesh++: EnterpriseWorks startup

 

 

Entrepreneurial Excellence: New Venture Award

Formed in the last three years, and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.

 

SNOOZ: EnterpriseWorks startup

 

 

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Paul Magelli Advocacy Award

Actively engage, encourage, coach and mentor entrepreneurs in the community, and provide extensive support to help them achieve success.

 

Stephanie Larson

Carly McCrory

 

 

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Management Award

Demonstrates expertise in assembling resources, creating an organization, and working to build and implement effective action plans.

 

Cindy Somers – Spherion Staffing

 

 

Innovation: Economic Development Impact Award

Has made a significant economic development impact in the community and continues to demonstrate their commitment to Champaign County.

 

Busey

 

 

2018 Innovation Transfer Award—University of Illinois

Recognizes an individual or group from the University of Illinois whose research has resulted in either a discovery or a work with the potential for significant societal impact.

 

Dr. Donna Cox – Advanced Visualization Lab at National Center for Supercomputing Applications

 

 

2018 Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award—University of Illinois

Recognizes an individual or team from the University of Illinois that has channeled their experience living with a disability into positive change through the creation of new products, environments, or protocols that enhance quality of life.

 

Mark McCarthy – Access Illinois

 

 

2018 Innovation in Engagement Award—Parkland College

Recognizes an individual or group at Parkland College who has shown support of the college’s community engagement mission.

 

Adam Porter – Perimeter Road Sound Recordings

 

 

 

Press:

Businesses, individuals feted at 13th annual Innovation Celebration – The News-Gazette

13th Annual Innovation Celebration held in Champaign – FOX 55/27 Illinois

Here’s who won awards at this year’s Innovation Celebration – Smile Politely