ITA - CITYLIGHTS

Individual Awards

ITA CityLIGHTS Award
The CityLIGHTS Award recognizes a business, education, media or government leader whose relentless efforts on behalf of the information technology industry have best promoted its growth and/or awareness of its vitality in Illinois to a range of audiences and raised the stature of the Illinois technology industry.

Judging Criteria:

Forward Looking Contribution to the Community (Mentoring, Aggregating, Helping, Promoting)
Visible and Evangelical
Long-Term Commitment and Enthusiasm about the Potential of Illinois as a Technology Economy
Goes Above and Beyond Call of their Day Job
Results-oriented Success Stories

ITA CEO of the Year Award
This award is presented to an individual contributing to the extraordinary business development of their technology company over the past year. Any individual in a leadership position employed by an Illinois-based technology business, or division of a corporation operating in Illinois, may be nominated for this award. Leadership qualities such as entrepreneurship, community involvement, and management expertise will be considered.

Judging Criteria:

Leads a Company with Growing Revenue/Profitability that exceeds Industry Averages
Solid Track Record with Longevity and Persistence in Position
Has Leadership and Vision for Company
Strong Customer Relations and References
Personal Character
Contributes to Technology or Charitable Community

ITA Spotlight Award
The Spotlight Award is awarded to the Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer for his/her leadership and outstanding contributions to his/her company's performance.

Judging Criteria:

Transformed a Company through Innovate use of Technology
Shows Keen Sense in Driving Business Value for the Company
Part of the Senior Leadership of the Company or Organization
Active Participant in Local Technology Community

Company Awards

ITA Lighthouse Award
The Lighthouse Award is presented to the company which, through sustained growth, national reputation and recognized excellence in product and services, best represents the region's growing stature as home to quality information technology companies. The award winner must have at least $10 million in annual revenue, be financially strong, exhibit a commitment to customer service, and have established a unique place in its market.

Judging Criteria:

National Reputation
Growth and Financial Stability over the Past Year
Significant Employee Base
Customer Excellence and Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
Part of an Industry Ecosystem, Industry Boards, etc.
Actively Involved in Community
Actively involved in Seeding Stakeholder Success
Sector leadership

ITA Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award is presented to the company, which, through innovation in products, services or business approach, has emerged from its start-up phase to become a solid presence in the marketplace. The award winner must have at least $1 million in annual revenue and have exhibited success in building a sustainable corporate organization and expanding its products and services to new market segments.

Judging Criteria:

Company is 1-7 years old
Produces Innovative Technology
Technology Meets Solid Market Opportunity
Experiencing or Poised for Rapid Growth
Community and Industry involvement

ITA Newcomer Award
The Newcomer Award is presented to the company that has the strongest potential to emerge from its start-up phase to become a solid presence in the technology marketplace. The award winner must have less than $1 million in annual revenue and have exhibited some early inroads in developing a sustainable business model.

Judging Criteria:

Startup: 0-3 years old
Some Revenues or Early Funding from Recognized Funding Sources
Unique service or product offering
Solid Management Capabilities
Compelling and Innovative Perspective on a Marketplace
Opportunity to build a Business on Technology
Community and Industry Involvement

Past Winners