Illinois Technology Foundation Announces 2009 "50 For The Future"

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - April 1, 2009) - The Illinois Technology Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of this year's 50 For The Future technology talent competition. Students from across the state of Illinois will be honored in a ceremony this week in Chicago on April 2.

The program, now in its third year, is designed to recognize top technology talent in the region and provide students with connections to business leaders early in their academic careers. The program was open to candidates enrolled in institutions of higher learning throughout Illinois, and, for the first time this year, extended to Chicago public high school students.

"It has been exciting to see the potential and ambition that these local students possess," said Don Sharp, VP, CIO, Navistar and judge for 50 For The Future. "The future of technology begins with these students and I'm proud to be a part of it."

This year the Illinois Technology Foundation saw over 150 student applications from a variety of academic institutions throughout Illinois. The students were selected by a panel of C-level executives that are leading technology innovation within their own organizations.

"This program is an excellent way to encourage students to actively participate in growing technologies," said Greg Morris, CEO, Morris & Gunter Associates LLC and co-chair for 50 For The Future. "The students now have the opportunity to build connections with key members in the technology industry."

The award ceremony will be just a starting point where students will have a chance to interact with C-level executives from top regional technology companies, supporting organizations, and institutions of higher learning including Baxter, Novartis, NAVTEQ, Accenture, Northwestern University and Motorola among others.

For more information on 50 For The Future, including a list of winning students, and the judges for the competition, visit www.50forthefuture.org. The 50 For The Future has been sponsored by Baxter, Gelber, Microsoft, Hyatt, Accenture, RR Donnelley, Verizon, Big Machines and Katten. Major supporters of the 50 For The Future include Baxter, Flashpoint, Flydesign, Gelber, Morris & Gunter Associates, and Walker Sands Communications.

About the Illinois Technology Foundation

The Illinois Technology Foundation's mission is to support the development of a technology talent pipeline that begins in elementary school, is refined in high school, and is fully developed in our region's higher education graduates. The Foundation facilitates relationships and efforts across industry, academia, students, and government, developing and managing targeted programs within the talent pipeline. Through action, leadership, and collaboration, the Foundation supports and nurtures the technology talent to ensure a viable and a regional wealth creating economy. The Foundation is the philanthropy arm of the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), a membership organization of more than 550 Illinois technology companies who support the development of a stronger technology talent pipeline in the region. Additional information is available at www.illinoistechfoundation.org.

Contact Information: Media Contact Jessica Odenbach jodenbach@walkersands.com 312-265-3090