May 14, 2009

The Greater Richmond Technology Council revealed its new name last night and honored eight local businesses and individuals for their contributions to the technology economy in the Richmond area.

At its 14th annual Technology Stars gala at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, the group announced a rebranding campaign and a new name, RichTech, along with plans to revamp its Web site, RichTech.com, in the coming weeks.

The new name "better reflects the fact that many of our members are not necessarily technology companies, but are simply using technology in ways to create stronger, sustainable businesses," said Chip Farmer, RichTech's executive director.

The winners and the awards were:

VirginiaFIRST, a nonprofit group organized to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology, received the Greater Richmond Technology Council Chairman's Award. The award goes to an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on the growth of technology in the region.

Karen Booth Adams, chief executive of Henrico County-based Hot Technology Holdings, a holding company for Genesis Consulting, Fahrenheit Technology, and Ironworks Consulting; and a founder of PoshTots.com, received the IBM Community Catalyst Award.

Nancy Hoover, coordinator of the Pre-Engineering Specialty Center at L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield County, received the Computer Resource Team Educator Award.

Astyra Corp., a Richmond-based technology consulting and staffing company with 200 employees and $10 million in annual revenue, got the Cherry, Bekaert & Holland Emerging Company Award.

Dominion Digital, a technology-consulting firm based in western Henrico, got the Strategic Staffing Solutions Technology Builder Award.

Capital One Financial Corp., the credit-card and financial-services company that is one of the area's largest employers, received the VACO Technology Innovation Financial & Professional Services Award.

United Network for Organ Sharing, the Richmond-based agency that facilitates every organ transplant in the U.S., got the Packet360 & Cisco Systems Technology Innovation Healthcare Award.

Ukrop's Super Markets Inc., the Richmond area's leading grocer based on market share, received the T-Mobile Technology Innovation: Manufacturing, Distribution and Retail Award.