Announced at 11th Annual Gala.

The Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC) announced seven new award honorees to a banquet crowd of more than 200 at the 11th Annual CBIC Awards Gala last night at Farmington Country Club.

Enjoy photos of the event at www.cramerphoto.com

“We are delighted to celebrate the accomplishments of the best and brightest in our area,” said CBIC Chair Tracey Linkous. “CBIC is proud to host these awards that, for the past 11 years, have highlighted outstanding innovations and leadership in both the private and public sectors, as well as in our K-12 schools. Year after year, the CBIC Awards are all about excellence, and this year is no exception. Even in a time of widespread economic challenges, the continuing vitality of the Central Virginia technological and entrepreneurial community is clearly evident in those individuals and organizations recognized tonight. Their achievements serve as inspiration for all of us.”

People’s Choice Navigator Award

Sponsor: Barton Malow Company
For the enterprise or individual who has demonstrated significant leadership in the local or regional business community, by making significant contributions toward the improvement or advancement of the high-tech, business, and/or entrepreneurial environments, and thereby improving the quality of life for many.

Honoree:  David Chen (Director, Coulter Translational Research Partnership, UVA)
Nomination: In his role as Director of the Coulter Translational  Research Partnership at UVA, David has been heavily involved with the local biomed-tech commercialization pipeline. He has helped make the Charlottesville area more visible to venture capitalists and venture philanthropists across the nation, has assisted in solidifying partnerships, and manages many UVA research spin-off projects.
Background: David earned his MBA from UVA’s Darden School and has held industry positions with Wyeth and Imclone. In addition to directing and managing the UVA-Coulter Partnership, David oversees the identification and development of translational research projects at the UVA School of Medicine.
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (434) 243-7357

Rocket Award

Sponsor: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Authority
For the enterprise that has moved with noteworthy speed from concept toward commercialization, through the development of a new technology, product, or service in a new or existing business of any size.

Honoree:  ElectraWatch, Inc.
Nomination: ElectraWatch, Inc., is developing and commercializing a product line of devices and related services to monitor corrosion in U.S. highway bridges, other civil structures, and military applications. Established only one year ago, ElectraWatch has successfully launched products in both civil and military markets and been awarded significant research funding to develop new technologies.
Background: ElectraWatch, Inc., was founded in August 2007 as a Delaware corporation to commercialize corrosion and coating-health monitoring technologies originally developed by Virginia Technologies, Inc. Specifically, ElectraWatch was formed to facilitate the commercialization of the Coating Health Monitoring device and to increase sales and expand distribution of the Embedded Corrosion Instrument. ElectraWatch has also been contracted by NAVSEA, the research division of the U.S. Navy, to develop a Degree of Sensitization hand probe for use on the aluminum superstructures of Navy ships. ElectraWatch’s corporate headquarters are in Charlottesville, and the company has a field office in Linthicum Heights, Maryland.
Contact: Ryan Dunn – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (434) 970-7878

Spotlight Award

Sponsor: UVA Office of Economic Development
For the enterprise or individual who has brought the most significant positive attention to the region, as evidenced by media coverage, business and/or academic interest, and public awareness.
Honoree: ecoMOD
Nomination: The ecoMOD Project at UVA has been both nationally and internationally recognized for creating highly energy efficient and low-cost affordable housing units for housing organizations. It has appeared in national media and received several awards for both curriculum and design.
Background: EcoMOD is a research and design/build/evaluate project creating ecological, modular, and affordable housing units. Since 2004, ecoMOD has built five units for the Piedmont Housing Alliance and Habitat for Humanity. Interdisciplinary teams of students, with faculty and outside experts, design and construct the units. Student evaluation teams carefully monitor and evaluate the occupied units, and the findings guide subsequent designs. The ecoMOD project, a partnership of UVA’s Schools of Architecture and of Engineering and Applied Science, strives to provide valuable educational experience while demonstrating prefabrication’s environmental and economic potential—challenging the U.S. housing industry to fully explore this potential.
Contact: John Quale – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (434) 924-6450

Breakthrough Award

Sponsor: Center for Innovative Technology
For the enterprise or individual who has achieved the most remarkable breakthrough or quantum advance, stemming from an original discovery, a seemingly unlikely redirection, or unforeseen application of an existing solution.
Honoree: PluroGen Therapeutics, Inc.
Nomination: PluroGen Therapeutics, Inc., has developed PluroGel™, a revolutionary antimicrobial gel designed to reduce the suffering of patients with severe burns and chronic wounds.  PluroGel™ effectively delivers healing medication when applied to the body but is easily removed with cool water, making it much less painful to remove than other existing therapies.
Background: PluroGen is a skin care and wound healing company commercializing three patented technologies to provide unique gels and liquids with exclusive and superior performance for skin care, burn care, and wound care. PluroGen’s superiority and differentiation are a result of its products’ unique and patented physical, bio-impact, and multifunction properties. The company has commercialized its first product, PluroGel™ Concentrate, as a key component of a medical device product line launched in 2009 to cleanse patients’ skin and wounds. Additional products nearing market—with multiple corporate partnerships—are topical antimicrobial products, wound barrier gels and dressings, and personal skin care products.
Contact: Neal Koller – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (443) 994-0101

Community Award

Sponsor: McGuireWoods
For the enterprise or individual who exemplifies the greatest commitment to and impact on improving the quality of life in Central Virginia through community involvement.
Honoree: Virginia National Bank
Nomination: Virginia National Bank (VNB) is a local bank that has proven its commitment to the community through its ongoing support of many area charities and arts organizations. Charitable giving and volunteer support are key elements of VNB’s culture, and the bank is frequently the founding sponsor of new organizations and events.
Background: VNB is a true community bank, with more than 900 local shareholders. Neighbors, business acquaintances, and friends invest in VNB because they believe the community needs a strong local bank. The bank’s obligation to investors is to earn the right to remain local and independent for the long term by providing superior performance in the form of exceptional service and satisfied customers. VNB believes in being an integral part of the community and in making a real difference in its citizens’ lives, and is proud to have provided volunteer support and contributions for the past 11 years.
Contact: April Harris – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (434) 817-8577

Red Apple Award & Technology in Education Grant

Award Sponsor: UVA Office of the Vice President for Research
Grant Co-Sponsors: ExploreLearning / Garris and Company
For the K-12 educator who clearly and consistently is able to do the most with available resources to inspire and prepare students for the limitless possibilities in technology.
Honoree:  Matt Shields (Charlottesville High School)
Nomination: A Physics teacher with an engineering background, Matt is always exploring and implementing the latest technology in his classroom. Among his innovative class projects, the “Super Space Adventure” required students to design, construct, and launch a weather balloon.
Background: Before becoming a teacher, Matt earned a Master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering, and worked for several years as an engineer. He has also been a multimedia and Web developer, and even started his own software company. Matt embraces technology and believes in its potential to augment education. Recognizing that there is no panacea to address every challenge facing the U.S. educational system, Matt believes that intentional and effective integration of technology into the classroom can be profoundly beneficial. He is now writing his doctoral dissertation on the effects of technology implementation in the classroom.
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (434) 989-1066

CBIC Leadership Award

Sponsor: CBIC Board of Directors
For the CBIC volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and contributed most significantly toward the organization's mission and objectives during the past year.
Honoree:  Arin Sime (OpenSource Connections)
Nomination: Since joining the CBIC Board of Directors in 2008, Arin Sime has served as Treasurer with remarkable energy, diligence, and professionalism, as well as contributing in countless other ways. Of special note, for the past two years, Arin has chaired the Judging Committee that selects finalists and honorees for the CBIC Awards, after serving as a researcher on the committee for several prior years.
Background: Leaders have a calling to contribute – to do something beyond themselves. Arin is no exception. He is a person to whom others routinely turn for leadership and guidance. Known for the quality of his work, creativity, and can-do attitude, he is an exceptionally positive and calm person who actively seeks ways to drive innovation. Arin is a forward-thinking professional who anticipates, plans, and shapes the future by seeking to understand and improve upon what works now, while avoiding the stagnation of over-reliance on what may have worked in the past.  Arin truly embodies the spirit of his favorite expression: “Be Champions.”
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (434) 996-5226