Norcross, GA (PRWEB) April 20, 2006 -- The Gwinnett Innovation Challenge, www.gwinnettinnovationchallenge.com, a contest designed to encourage and recognize innovative new business ventures with ties to Gwinnett County, announced today the winners of the first annual competition. In the Seed Stage category, Pet Wellness Plans, Inc. won top honors, while Wi-Ex, Inc. (formerly Wireless Extenders) captured first place in the Growth Stage category.
In the first year of the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge, almost 40 companies submitted entries in the competition. In the Final round of the competition on April 17, 2006, six finalists presented to a panel of judges comprised of investors, entrepreneurs and business executives with expertise in early stage companies. In a ceremony at the Gwinnett Technology Forum on April 18th attended by over 150 people, Pet Wellness Plans, Inc., the Seed Stage winner, was awarded $15,000 cash and $20,000 in professional services, launch pad office space and software products and Wi-Ex, Inc., the Growth Stage winner, was awarded $20,000 cash and up to $25,000 in professional services, launch pad office space and software products. Presenting the awards were Doug Meyer, President of Sage Software, Bill McCargo, Vice President of Scientific Atlanta, and Leland Strange, CEO of Intelligent Systems, all Trailblazer sponsors of the contest.
According to Leland Strange, CEO of Intelligent Systems and one of the organizers of the contest, "Judging by the number and quality of this year's participants, I am certain that many of the entrants in the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge - and not just our two winners - will become very successful companies that contribute to a vibrant local economy for many years. I think I can speak for all of the sponsors and judges in extending congratulations to Pet Wellness Plans and Wi-Ex on their accomplishments and vision and we all anticipate an even bigger and better Challenge next year."
Lloyd Meese, CEO and President of Wi-Ex, commented, "We were honored to be a finalist in the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge and are grateful for the cash and many other prizes that were awarded to us. When you are as passionate about your products as we are, it is truly confirming and rewarding to receive the recognition given to Wi-Ex as an innovative and viable business by an impressive group of judges. I have no doubt that this competition will continue to grow in stature and attract even more innovative and aggressive companies as participants in future years."
John Souza, President and CEO of Pet Wellness Plans, Inc., said "The Gwinnett Innovation Challenge proved that we really have a viable business. When proven business experts look at your business and confirm you have a good thing going, it really gives you a boost. This prize will help us continue to move forward with the commercialization of our product and we're committed more than ever to making Pet Wellness Plans a huge success."
About Pet Wellness Plan, Inc.
Pet Wellness Plans offers a market-tested, Web-based ASP software platform that enables veterinarians to build, market, and manage a complete wellness plan solution for their customer's pets. Once implemented successfully, this platform will effectively increase their revenue and practice valuations while also enhancing client loyalty significantly. For more information, visit www.petwellnessplans.com.
About Wi-Ex, Inc.
Wi-Ex (formerly Wireless Extenders) www.Wi-Ex.com, developed the first consumer-priced signal booster for the small office/home office (SOHO) cell phone market. Located in Gwinnett County, they manufacture and distribute the YX series of cell phone signal extenders for the home, office or car. The units Extend Cell Zones TM for users by improving signal strength for better voice and data transmission while maintaining the integrity of the carriers' networks. They are easy to install, affordable and available at many retail outlets. These signal extenders work with most carriers including Cingular, Sprint and T-Mobile. Wi-Ex continues to develop innovative products to meet the demands of an increasingly wireless society by enhancing wireless signals. To learn more, visit (www.Wi-Ex.com).
About the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge
The Gwinnett Innovation Challenge, initiated and organized by Intelligent Systems Corporation, is an annual competition designed to recognize and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. The Gwinnett Innovation Challenge is championed by a number of local leaders with a long history of support for innovation, entrepreneurship and civic service in Gwinnett County. Trailblazer sponsors are Scientific Atlanta, Sage Software and Intelligent Systems; Catalyst sponsors include the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Innovation Park and Gwinnett Business Journal; and the Innovation Network sponsors include Andersen, Tate, Mahaffey & McGarity; Carabiner Communications; Moore Stephens Tiller; Morris, Manning & Martin; and TechCFO. For more information, visit www.gwinnettinnovationchallenge.com.
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Press Contact: Bonnie Herron
Company Name: Intelligent Systems
Email: Bherron@intelsys.com
Phone: 7703812900
Website: www.gwinnettinnovationchallenge.com
AndhraNews.net News for April 20, 2006
