Tonight, some Rochester tech entrepreneurs are feeling really great.
The 2014 GREAT Awards just let out, and what an honor it was to attend, to be surrounded and inspired by successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and rising stars. Digital Rochester, a non profit that brings “technology professionals together within the community,” hosts this swanky event every year. Here’s a succinct vision from the GREAT website:
To recognize and celebrate the Greater Rochester community’s entrepreneurial spirit in technological achievement for advancing commerce and resource conservation.
The official program began with one of the more entertaining (if not best) opening videos I’ve ever seen for a stuffy, prima facie, awards ceremony, “The Fresh Prince to the Future of Technology.”
After some comical chatter, delicious dinner, and tasty tweets (eating and tweeting), the awards ceremony kicked off. There were eight award categories and twenty-four finalists in all.
Here’s a quick list of those who won:
Communication Technology:
Going Green Award
Nazareth College Admissions (a little surprised on this one, but a paperless admissions is pretty cool stuff)
Healthcare Technology Award
Technology Services Award
Optics, Photonics, & Imaging Award
Student Achievement
Melika Alipour Leili, Kevin Lewis, & the “IdeaLab” Team (RIT students making a mobile centrifuge product for phlebotomists)
Rising Star Award
Visionary Leadership Award
Michael Pavia, Sydor Instruments
My friend, Felix Kim, was nominated in three different categories for his company, Ovitz Corporation. I did a story on him for 585 Magazine months ago, and I’m joyous to see him take (yet another) award home. Great job, Felix!
Is it just me, or do I look like a proud dad in this photo?
Thanks again to Digital Rochester for inviting me to attend. I’m looking forward to next year already.
The Number Kevin 
To paraphrase Mark Twain, “Don’t let your studies get in the way of your education.”
You are making the most of your education, my friend.