Illinois Technology Association (ITA) Recognizes Technology Leaders as 2011 ITA CityLIGHTS Award Finalists

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - May 4, 2011) - The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) Board of Directors is proud to announce the finalists for the 2011 ITA CityLIGHTS Award. The finalists include:

• Sandee Kastrul, President and Founder, i.c. stars
  i.c. stars provides opportunities for inner-city young adults in Chicago to harness the strength of the Internet economy for social and economic empowerment.

• Matt Moog, Founder, Viewpoints
  Matt is nominated for his support of the local technology community and the development of Built In Chicago. Built in Chicago's mission is to connect, educate and promote the growing digital community in Chicago.

• Howard A. Tullman, President and CEO, Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy
  Howard is nominated for his support of the local technology community as a whole. He has led the recovery of many companies, volunteered his time to various organizations over the years and continues to be an ambassador of the industry.

"We are thrilled to recognize the CityLIGHTS Award Finalists who do so much to help the local technology ecosystem grow," said Fred Hoch, President, ITA. "The group of local leaders nominated for this award was outstanding as were the technology companies across the board. The level of competition in 2011 has set a new record in every category -- number and quality of nominations, stature and commitment of the judges, as well as the number of voters! The industry is driving the economic recovery of the region."

Winners of all 2011 ITA CityLIGHTS Awards will be named at the Gala on May 12, 2011, at historic Chicago Union Station. Tickets are available and the public is welcome to attend. The event is an opportunity for the industry to connect with other technology executives, entrepreneurs, industry and civic leaders, corporate executives and investors in the region for an evening of dining, socializing, and celebration. This diverse group comes together annually for ITA CityLIGHTS with a focus on the role of technology in Illinois and the expansion and support of breakthrough technology not only as a stand-alone business but also within established companies.

CityLIGHTS is the largest gathering of technology executives in the state of Illinois and is now in its 12th year.

Award categories include the Newcomer Award, the Best Strategic Use of Technonlogy Award, the New Concept Award, the Rising Star Award, the Lighthouse Award, the Technologist of the Year Award, the CEO of the Year Award, and the CityLIGHTS Award.

ITA thanks the 2011 ITA CityLIGHTS Sponsors including Presenting Sponsor, Grant Thornton, Gold Sponsors CompTIA, McGuire Woods, Model Metrics, NAVTEQ, and SurePayroll, and Event Sponsors Authentify, Smart Signal, and Lantern Partners for their continued support and making the event possible.

About the Illinois Technology Association
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is a driving force behind the growth of Illinois' vibrant technology industry. We are relentless in championing the development and application of technology, from start-up companies to industry leaders, leveraging the transformative nature of technology to revolutionize industries. ITA uniquely capitalizes peer-to-peer collaboration, networking, and access to experts across the breadth of business to cultivate the Illinois technology industry. The unique and powerful integration of these valuable and experienced resources differentiates the ITA as a source of accelerated growth for the technology industry of Illinois. For more information about ITA, please visit www.illinoistech.org.

Contact the ITA at headquarters@illinoistech.org, follow the discussion on Twitter at @itabuzz, and visit www.illinoistech.org to find out more about how ITA supports the growth of the local industry.