Guaranteed Rate, Hireology, Coyote Logistics and kCura Among Winners at 17th Annual ITA CityLIGHTS Awards

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - September 16, 2016) - Last night the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) revealed the winners of its 2016 CityLIGHTS Awards. The CityLIGHTS Awards is the premier annual event that celebrates and honors achievements from the local tech community.

Because of the rigorous and balanced judging process, the awards have become a strong indicator of future success. Not including last night's honorees, CityLIGHTS award winners have amassed $51 billion in exits, $1 billion in IPO and $2.5 billion in venture capital.

"This year's winners exemplify the kind of technology companies that Chicago is becoming famous for -- hardworking, pragmatic businesses that are focused on customer collaboration and satisfaction over self-promotion," said Fred Hoch, CEO, ITA. "That's a big part of why we believe the CityLIGHTS Awards are so important. We want to recognize and celebrate the tremendous technology development and innovation happening in our city."

The 2016 ITA CityLIGHTS Awards winners are:

CityLIGHTS Award: The CityLIGHTS Award, ITA's highest honor, is presented to the company or individual who actively and consistently supports the growth of the Illinois technology industry through leadership and/or collaboration.
Amanda Lannert, CEO, Jellyvision

CEO of the Year: Presented to the company CEO whose leadership, strategy, and ability to attract and retain talent has resulted in company growth and visibility.
Jeff Silver, CEO, Coyote Logistics

Technologist of the Year: Presented to the individual whose talent has championed true innovation, either through new applications of existing technology or the development of technology to achieve a truly unique product or service.
Martin Logan, Guaranteed Rate

Prominent Woman in Tech: Presented to a preeminent woman in the local industry who has championed a leading role for women by supporting their growth and prominence in the industry.
Nicole Yeary, Ms. Tech

Rising Star Award: Presented to the company with the strongest potential to emerge as a leader in the technology industry ($5 to $25 million in annual revenue).
Hireology

Lighthouse: Presented to the company with more than $25 million in revenue that, through innovation in products, services or business approach, has grown to become a serious competitor in the marketplace.
kCura

Outstanding Technology Development: Presented to the company or organization that utilizes or has developed a technology tool, process or service that has made a substantial improvement on business metrics.
Yello

Industry Disrupter: Presented to the company that has developed and/or introduced an ingenious, non-traditional and innovative product or service that has significantly disrupted its industry.
Uptake

Thank you to our 2016 ITA CityLIGHTS Awards sponsors:

• Rock Star Sponsors: Armanino, Gogo, Hyde Park Angels, Liquidus, Madison Dearborn Partners, Silicon Valley Bank, Southpoint Insurance
• Star of the Bar: Context Media, Uptake
• VIP Backstage & Opening Act: Lantern Partners
• Roadies: Grant Thornton, Weber Shandwick
• Event Partners: 3D Printing Experience, Clique Studios, Jewell Catering, Spothero

About ITA
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) scales Illinois tech companies. With innovative resources that allow members to collaborate with each other, build their talent networks and elevate their local and national presence, ITA is the region's strongest advocate for fostering innovation and growth. Founded in 2005 and supporting 500-plus growth-stage tech companies, ITA has a rich history of driving the business forward. For more information, visit illinoistech.org, follow @ITAbuzz on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.