(Nov. 14, 2007) Colorado Springs, CO – The 2nd Annual Excellence in Local Industry and Celebrate Technology Awards were presented at a reception hosted by the Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation and Celebrate Technology on November 14th at The BROADMOOR.

For the first time, the EDC’s Excellence in Local Industry Awards is being held in conjunction with Celebrate Technology. Started in the 1990′s, Celebrate Technology is a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation designed to showcase the vibrant technological industry of Colorado Springs through its signature awards event. Celebrate Technology recognizes the achievements of Colorado Springs-based companies and individuals that have contributed in a significant way to the technological business landscape of the area. These contributions cross every discipline from the Internet and software to space-related, homeland defense and emerging technologies.

The Expansion Award was presented to PRC. The company announced in December 2006 the decision to open a 550 person contact center in Colorado Springs. In October, 2007 PRC announced plans to expand, employing 950 by the end of 2007.

The Longevity Award, given in recognition of a business celebrating a major milestone anniversary in the Pikes Peak Region, was presented to VanBriggle Pottery. Established in 1899 in Colorado Springs, VanBriggle Pottery is one of the oldest active art potteries in the United States.

The Partnership Award was presented to the Colorado Springs Utilities as a valued partner in the community’s economic development efforts. Colorado Springs Utilities’ employees have worked with local employers to create energy efficiencies, reduce costs and invest in smart energy resources.

The Aerospace Corporation andSpectranetics were honored with Community Investment Awards in recognition of a large capital investment in the community.

The Community Infrastructure Award, given in recognition of an organization that provides exceptional service and support in regard to community infrastructure, workforce, etc. was presented to the City ofColorado Springs – City Engineering.

The Corporate Citizenship Award was presented to Agilent Technologies. Agilent Technologies donated $1.4 million to underprivileged individuals and families in the Pikes Peak Region over the past five years.

The International Award was presented, by the Colorado Springs Office of International Trade, to Premier Bank.

The 2007 Chairperson’s Awards, presented to companies that have made unique and exceptional contributions to the community, were given to The BROADMOOR and Dave Anderson – Colorado Springs Manufacturing Task Force.

The Celebrate Technology Innovation Awards were presented in the following areas: Bio-Technology, Information Technology, Homeland Defense and Aerospace/Space.

The Innovation Awards are given in recognition of innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit in a specific industry by a company that has a presence within Colorado Springs.

The Innovation Award for Bio-Technology was presented to CEA Technologies; the Innovation Award for Information Technology was presented toIntelliden; the Innovation Award for Homeland Defense was presented to The MITRE Corporation; and the Innovation Award for Aerospace/Space was presented to RadiantBlue Technologies.

Maurice Gaubatz of Pyxant Labs was named the 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year by Celebrate Technology in recognition of entrepreneurial achievement by an individual resident of Colorado Springs.