The Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) held its second annual awards program on December 16, 2014, recognizing Andy von Flotow of Hood Technology as the 2014 GTA Technology Leader of the Year and Insitu as the 2014 GTA Technology Organization of the Year. “There are many wonderful companies, nonprofits, schools and individuals working to advance the tech industry and STEM education in the Columbia River Gorge,” says Executive Director Jessica Metta. “Our awards program is a way to recognize and thank these amazing people.” STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Nominations were accepted from across the Gorge and all of the finalists were celebrated at the Dec. 16 event for their leadership and hard work. Andy von Flotow, President of Hood Technology, was honored as the 2014 GTA Technology Leader of the Year for his longstanding influence on the tech industry of the Gorge, his personal work to support organizations in the region and his mentorship and sponsorship of many students from high-school through post-doc. Honored finalists for Tech Leader of the Year included Barry Paul, CTO of Qstream for his contributions to the company and volunteerism with youth robotics, and joint finalists Chris Hipskind and John Hadley of Columbia High School for the inspiration and opportunities they provide for their students.
Insitu was honored as the 2014 GTA Technology Organization of the Year for their ongoing impact on the tech industry of the Gorge and commitment to the community with the opening of the Eagle Point Facility in 2014 and refocusing of their community giving and involvement campaign by new President and CEO Ryan Hartman. Honored finalist for Tech Company of the Year was Qstream, a Boston-based sales force analytics company with a Hood River engineering office, for their impressive growth and impact on the industry over the last year.
“The GTA is appreciative of everyone working to grow our regional tech industry and to improve STEM opportunities for our students,” says Metta. “We look forward to another year of supporting these leaders and businesses in turn.” More information about the winners and finalists is available on the GTA website at crgta.org.
The Gorge Technology Alliance supports, connects and develops the technology community of the Columbia River Gorge with networking and educational events, business support and promotion, workforce development and youth robotics. The GTA is a nonprofit professional organization supporting the high tech businesses and STEM education in the Gorge. Contact Jessica with questions at 541-296-2266.