Nominations Open for Illinois Technology Foundation "50 For The Future"

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - February 22, 2010) - The Illinois Technology Foundation (ITF), the philanthropic arm of the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fueling the technology workforce of the future, has begun accepting nominations for 50 For The Future, a program honoring Illinois' most promising technology students.

Now in its fourth year, 50 For The Future recognizes students with interest and potential in the use of technology in innovative ways. 50 For The Future encourages students and, early in their academic careers, connects them with business leaders. The program is open to students enrolled in institutions of higher learning throughout Illinois.

More than 30 of the region's top technology companies, industry organizations, and academic institutions have become involved in the competition, offering their senior executives as judges.

"A company's greatest asset is a diverse array of talented people. Attracting and developing talent is a top priority," said Karenann Terrell, corporate vice president and chief information officer for Baxter International Inc., and a judge for this year's 50 For The Future. "This program represents a valuable way to identify and nurture up-and-coming talent. I'm honored to be on the front line of this effort."

Nominees will be judged on their potential as tomorrow's leaders in business and technology. The top 50 competitors will be honored at an event on April 13 attended by the competition's judges, the instructors who nominate the students and student family members.

"50 For The Future raises awareness of the talent and creativity that resides within Illinois' students," said Dr. Greg Morris, ITF board member and co-chair of 50 For The Future. "The collaboration among our partners has been amazing, and this year's nominees will reap the rewards."

"We look forward to celebrating our winners and to helping each student nominated take a leap forward with their careers," said William R. Waas, ITF Chairman.

Submissions for nomination close on March 4.

For more information on 50 For The Future, including nominee submission forms, visit www.50ForTheFuture.org.

About the Illinois Technology Foundation

The Illinois Technology Foundation's mission is to support the development of a technology talent pipeline that begins in elementary school, is refined in high school, and is fully developed in our region's higher education graduates. The Foundation facilitates relationships and efforts across industry, academia, students, and government, developing and managing targeted programs within the talent pipeline. Through action, leadership, and collaboration, the Foundation supports and nurtures the technology talent to ensure a viable and a regional wealth creating economy. The Foundation is the philanthropy arm of the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), a membership organization of more than 500 Illinois technology companies who support the development of a stronger technology talent pipeline in the region. Additional information is available at www.illinoistechfoundation.org.

About the Illinois Technology Association

Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is passionately committed to the successful growth of our member-companies and the regional technology industry. ITA champions the interests of start-ups and industry leaders, innovation agents and students as independent and collaborative thought leaders who leverage the power of technology to transform business. Through fostering strategic development, peer-to-peer leadership, networking, and access to experts across the breadth of business, membership in ITA accelerates the realization of success. For more information about ITA, please visit www.illinoistech.org.

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