[March 17, 2005] ITA Announces CityLIGHTS Award Winners; Leading Illinois Technology Companies and Individuals Recognized as Industry Gathered to Celebrate New Organization Tweet CHICAGO --(Business Wire)-- March 17, 2005 -- The Illinois Information Technology Association (ITA) today announced the 2005 winners of the CityLIGHTS awards. Nearly 350 executives gathered Tuesday night at the organization's 11th Annual Awards Gala at the Adler Planetarium to celebrate the innovation and vitality of the Illinois technology community. The CityLIGHTS awards recognize outstanding information technology companies, executives and advocates in Illinois. This year's winners were: -- Rising Star Award: The Opus Group, LLC -- Lighthouse Award: SEI Information Technology, Inc. -- Angel Award: William N. Weaver, Sachnoff & Weaver -- Spotlight Award: Jonathan Stevens, vice president and CIO, CDW -- CityLIGHTS Award: Cathy Gunn, Ph.D, executive director, North Central Regional Educational Laboratory at Learning Point Associates "This year's CityLIGHTS winners represent some of the best and brightest in the industry both locally and nationally. It is an honor to congratulate them," said Fred Hoch, president of the ITA. The CityLIGHTS Awards Gala also marked the formal launch of the ITA, a new organization formed from the former Chicago Software Association. The organization is empowered to rally the state's massive information technology industry and unite it toward a common goal of driving the IT economy forward in Illinois. The event featured presentations from association leadership on the new direction of the organization. "The ITA has embarked on an exciting new direction. Tuesday night's gathering of executives and the enthusiasm and excitement they showed for the vision of this organization is a wonderful beginning for the ITA. We're looking forward to what lies ahead," said Hoch. About the ITA The Illinois Information Technology Association (ITA) was introduced in early 2005 to reflect the expanded scope and vision of the Chicago Software Association. The organization benefits its members by providing networking, advocacy, resources and leadership to drive growth, development and retention of IT-focused business and talent in Illinois. Providing a platform for industry collaboration, the ITA has more than 400 member companies and is the largest Midwest trade organization dedicated to fostering support for the IT industry. Additional information is available at http://www.illinoistech.org/. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]