Local Leaders are urging companies from across the Macon/Middle Georgia Area to apply for consideration for “The 2016 Top 40/Top 10 Innovative Companies in Georgia" presented by The Technology Association of Georgia.
 
“In today’s Digital Economy, the use of technology is no longer a luxury for business and industry; rather, it is a necessity that is interwoven into vital workflows and decisions. In Middle Georgia, we have a strong and diverse economic base, anchored by a robust manufacturing sector,” said Brent K. Lanford, Deputy Director at Middle Georgia Regional Commission.  “It is my hope that many of our leading businesses and industries will be recognized among the state's Top 40 Innovative Companies with at least 5 or more applicants from the Middle Georgia area this year."
 
In Middle Georgia, sixty-two establishments in the Software and IT Services sector make up slightly more than one-third of the market’s total technology establishments and the region is ranked as one of the 101 Great Locations in the South for Aviation & Aerospace.
 
“Central Georgia is a hub for entrepreneurial activity, with companies starting and growing in a range of technology fields, from aerospace to healthcare innovations,” said Nadia Osman, Director of SparkMacon. “This opportunity from TAG allows us to celebrate local talent. As a part of the area's entrepreneurial ecosystem, we hope to see Central Georgia companies apply and receive recognition for their work that will, in turn, inspire our next generation of local innovators to start new technology businesses in our local community.”
 
The “Top 40” will be awarded based on specific criteria including: degree of innovation, scope and financial impact of innovation, likelihood of success, and promotion of Georgia’s innovative efforts nationally and internationally.
 
Companies selected for the “Top 40″ will be showcased in an exhibition at the 2016 Georgia Technology Summit, which is expected to draw the state’s technology leaders. The “Top 10” most innovative technology companies will be chosen from among the “Top 40″.
 
“We have many companies here in Middle Georgia doing innovative and exciting things.  They are known in their industry and maybe even nationally but the TAG Top 40 list helps showcase what Middle Georgia is doing on a statewide level,” said Robert Betzel, CEO of Macon-based Infinity Network Solutions, Inc.  “We have had several companies enter and be represented and I hope others see the value in applying to their chance to be part of it.”
 
“Top 10” Companies will be asked to present at the 2016 Georgia Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, March 17th at the Cobb Galleria Center.
 
The 2016 Georgia Technology Summit is expected to draw a crowd of more than 1,300 C-level executives, entrepreneurs, technology professionals and academia to celebrate and recognize Georgia’s technology community. In addition to presentations from some of the top technology influencers in the nation, the newest member of the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia will be inducted.
 
Eligible companies for the Top 10/Top 40 will be Georgia based and focused on the development and dissemination of technology. The deadline is January 29, 2016 to apply to be considered for this annual award which recognizes Georgia’s best and brightest.