[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SALUTING THE NOMINEES OF THE 2009 TECH TITANS FINALISTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2009

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 
finalists for the 2009 Tech Titans Award presented by Metroplex 
Technology Business Council, the largest technology trade association 
in Texas. On August 28th, the winners will be announced in categories 
designed to showcase the most cutting-edge technologies and the 
brightest talent emerging from the North Texas region at the 2009 Tech 
Titans Awards and Fast Tech gala. The event will also reveal the 
rankings of the 2009 Titan Fast Tech, which lists the fastest-growing 
DFW technology companies based on percentage revenue growth over the 
last year and the fastest-growing DFW technology companies based on 
percentage revenue growth over the last five years.
  The Tech Titans gala also raises funds to support a scholarship 
program for students at local universities who are pursuing degrees in 
math, science, engineering and technology, as well as high school 
teachers who teach in these disciplines. Founded in 1994, the Metroplex 
Technology Business Council (MTBC) is a non-profit organization 
composed of approximately 300 members that include technology 
businesses and providers from across the DFW Metroplex. The MTBC 
produces numerous events, including the Management in High-Tech 
Luncheon Series, the Technical Luncheon Series, Tech Week in Austin and 
the Tech Titans and Fast Tech Awards.
  Recently, the Economist, a reputable international magazine, featured 
a special in-depth section showcasing the wonders of Texas for 
business. The MTBC is a shining example of the face of the future for 
Texas. Make no mistake, the MTBC is making great things happen for the 
Lone Star State--and the world.
  ``The Tech Titans Awards and Fast Tech provide the premier 
recognition of fast-growing, highly innovative companies that 
contribute to the vibrancy of the North Texas economy and make our 
region an exciting place to live and work,'' said Cindi Keith, partner/
technology marketing industry leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and co-
chair of the MTBC's Tech Titans steering committee. ``We look forward 
to showcasing the true leaders in our industry and celebrating their 
hard work and creativity.''
  Besides the MTBC, other supporters of the Tech Titans Awards and Fast 
Tech event are PricewaterhouseCoopers, TechAmerica (formerly American 
Electronics Association), Deloitte, Dallas Business Journal, KBA Group 
LLP, Time Warner Cable Business Class, GSCS Inc., Farstar Inc., and 
AVMG.
  Congratulations one and all. I salute you.
  The 2009 Tech Titan Finalist names and the categories follow:


                      CORPORATE CEO AWARD CATEGORY

  Bruce Ballengee, CEO and Co-Founder, Pariveda Solutions, Inc.
  Timothy Gallagher, CEO, Electronic Transaction Consultants 
Corporation
  Dale Sohn, President, Samsung Telecommunications America
  Charlie Vogt, President and CEO, GENBAND


                  EMERGING COMPANY CEO AWARD CATEGORY

  Steve Steinheimer, CEO, SSG Ltd
  Nina Vaca, CEO, Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc.
  Paul VanMeter, President and CEO, Colo4Dallas
  Alastair Westgarth, President and CEO, Tango Networks, Inc.


                    CORPORATE HORIZON AWARD CATEGORY

  Electronic Transaction Consultants Corporation
  Entrust
  Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.
  Nokia Siemens Networks


                EMERGING COMPANY HORIZON AWARD CATEGORY

  Airwalk Communications, Inc.
  OnAsset Intelligence, Inc.
  Sipera Systems
  Tango Networks, Inc.


                     TECH INNOVATOR AWARD CATEGORY

  Austin Crowder, CEO and Founder, Alpha Med-Surge, Inc., dba L.I.T. 
Surgical
  Dr. Harold ``Skip'' Garner, PO'B Montgomery Distinguished Chair, 
Professor of Biochemistry and Internal Medicine, University of Texas 
Southwestern Medical Center
  Dr. Bruce Li, President and CTO, 21-Century Silicon, Inc.
  Dr. Frank Lu, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 
Director of the Aerodynamics Research Center, University of Texas at 
Arlington


                      TECH ADVOCATE AWARD CATEGORY

  Rep. Dan Branch, Texas State House of Representatives
  North Texas Enterprise Center for Medical Technology, Larry Calton
  North Texas Regional Center for Innovation & Commercialization, Mike 
Lockerd
  TECH Fort Worth, Darlene Ryan


                      TECH ADOPTER AWARD CATEGORY

  Chesapeake Energy Corporation
  North Texas Tollway Authority
  Smart Hospital at the University of
  Texas at Arlington
  Travelocity Business


                     COMMUNITY HERO AWARD CATEGORY

  Corey Kirkendoll, Solutions Architect, 2009 National Society of Black 
Engineers Alumni, Extension Pre-College Initiative for Region V, Cisco 
Systems
  Paul Klocek, General Manager, ELCAN Optical Technologies
  Jo-ann Olsovsky, Vice President, Technology Services and CIO, 
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company
  Gurvendra Suri,
  CEO, Optimal Solutions Integration, Inc.


               TECH TITAN OF THE FUTURE UNIVERSITY LEVEL

  Challenging Algorithmics and Mathematics in Problem Solving (CHAMPS) 
The University of Texas at Dallas--Jonsson School of Engineering and 
Computer Science
  Military Programs of the Dallas TeleCollege Dallas County Community 
College District
  UTeach Dallas, The University of Texas at Dallas
  Venture Innovation Partnership, The University of Texas at Arlington


               TECH TITAN OF THE FUTURE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

  Daniel Brown, Hillcrest High School, Dallas Independent School 
District
  Dr. George J. Hademenos, Richardson High School,
  Richardson Independent School District
  Wesley Kirpach, Plano West Senior High School, Plano Independent 
School District
  Jacqueline Lewis, Williams High School, Plano Independent School 
District
  TechAmerica
  TEXAS LEGEND AWARD, Jim Von Ehr, President and Founder, Zyvex 
Corporation.

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