Governor Meets with 2015 Chicago Innovation Awards Winners

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner hosted a roundtable discussion today with the 2015 Chicago Innovation Awards Winners at SMS Assist in Chicago. The annual awards recognize Chicago industry leaders who are bringing the most innovative new products and services to the community.

"The economic future of Illinois and America is centered on innovation and technology," said Governor Rauner. "These award winners have made tremendous achievements in their respective industries through their dedication and hard work, and its changing our state and region. My goal as Governor is to help create an economic environment that encourages growth and investment in Illinois. Innovations like these can translate into jobs and economic success for years to come."

The Chicago Innovation Awards were started in 2002 and aim to celebrate, educate and connect innovators in the Chicago region. SMS Assist was a Chicago Innovation Awards winner in 2012.

More than 640 organizations are nominated for the 2016 Awards, which will take place on October 25, 2016 at the Harris Theater in Chicago. This year's nominees have collectively generated more than $2.3 billion in new revenue and created more than 13,000 new jobs through their innovations.

The winners of the 2015 awards were:

Maria Kim with Cara Program

Tom Bucklar with Caterpillar

Levi Hargrove with Coapt

Anil Harjani with Context Media

Tim Ayers with ExteNet

Pat Spain with First Stop Health

Katie Hench with Infiniteach

Steve Devick with King-Devick Test

Steven Lee with Opternative

Syed Karim with Outernet

CJ Przybyl with Snapsheet

Ed Colgate with Tanvas

Jamie R. Simone with Trust for Public Land

The attached pictures can be used for publication.

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