TechConnect Presents 2017 Spirit of Innovation Awards
With the goal of recognizing leadership in innovation and technology-based business development in West Virginia, TechConnect West Virginia presented its Spirit of Innovation Awards on Thursday, March 16 to Allegheny Science & Technology CEO Arria Hines and software development firm Core10, during a special awards luncheon at the State Capitol.
“The Spirit of Innovation program is an opportunity to spotlight success stories throughout the state, and recognize the people and organizations that support innovation-based economic development,” said Anne Barth, executive director of TechConnect.
Arria Hines, CEO and President of Allegheny Science & Technology of Bridgeport, was awarded the
Anne Barth, TechConnectWV; Arria Hines, Allegheny Science & Technology; Woody Thrasher, Secretary, WV Dept. of Commerce
“Outstanding Woman in Technology Award.”
“We are thrilled to honor Arria Hines as our 2017 Outstanding Woman in Technology,” Barth said. “Her drive and determination have made Allegheny Science & Technology one of America’s fastest growing private companies. Ms. Hines sets the bar very high, and her success in leading this technology solutions company is great news for West Virginia.”
Hines offered, “I am truly honored to receive this award. Being recognized by TechConnect as an “Outstanding Woman in Technology” is not only a huge honor, but exciting for women in Science, Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM). This award amplifies that technology and entrepreneurialism is not just a ‘guy thing.’
The winner of the “StartUp Firm of the Year Award” was presented to Core10, a financial technology
Anne Barth, TechConnectWV; Lee Farabaugh, Core10; Jeff Martin, Core10; Woody Thrasher, WV Dept. of Commerce
software solutions provider which opened an office in Huntington in 2016.
“We are proud to honor Core10 as the 2017 StartUp Firm of the Year,” Barth said. “TechConnect’s mission is to help diversify the state’s economy, and Core10 certainly brings diversity to the state’s economy. We admire their leadership in the “hereshoring” business model that strives to keep jobs in the U.S., and their collaboration with Marshall University to find a talented workforce offers a great example of a university-industry partnership.”
Lee Farabaugh, chief operating officer for Core10, said, “Being named the StartUp Firm of the Year by TechConnect is a true honor. We are proud to help with the economic revitalization of West Virginia and look forward to continuing to bring high-quality technology jobs to the state.”
Barth said the Spirit of Innovation Award winners represent the cream of the crop of technology innovation in West Virginia. By showcasing these creative efforts and the people behind them, TechConnect hopes to inspire others who may have similar entrepreneurial spirit.
The award ceremony was part of the 2017 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Day at the State Capitol. Hosted by TechConnect and the TransTech Energy Business Development Program, the event highlights West Virginia’s science, technology, engineering and math based economy, which employs over 48,000 in the state.
To view a video recap of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Day, click here.
As part of the day’s events, more than 40 exhibitors representing groups throughout the state demonstrated the vibrancy of the state’s innovation economy to policy makers in the Capitol Rotunda.