The Gorge Technology Alliance (GTA) held its third annual awards program on Dec. 15, recognizing Steve Maier of Innovative Composite Engineering as the 2015 GTA Technology Leader of the Year and Prigel Machine & Fabrication as the 2015 GTA Technology Organization of the Year.
There are a variety of companies, nonprofits, schools and individuals working to advance the tech industry and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in the Columbia River Gorge. The GTA awards program is a way to recognize and thank some amazing people and organizations in our community.
Nominations were accepted from across the Gorge and the finalists were celebrated at the December 15 event for their leadership and hard work. Maier, President and CEO of Innovative Composite Engineering, was honored as the 2015 GTA Technology Leader of the Year for his 25 year influence on the tech industry of the Gorge, his proven ability to form a successful and diversified manufacturing company in the U.S., and his high professional standards.
Jackson Perrin of Gorge MakerSpace was the other honored finalist for Tech Leader of the Year for his contributions to the community, including weekly after school programs, weekend workshops, and summer camps in robotics, electronics, 3D printing, e-textiles and recycled crafts for students and families.
Prigel Machine & Fabrication was honored as the 2015 GTA Technology Organization of the Year for their commitment to raise the level of technology used in manufacturing and product realization in the Gorge by utilizing the latest CAM software and Computer Numerical Control manufacturing machines. They have contributed to the community by supporting tech education, such as robotics and electric car teams, and have worked to raise awareness of career opportunities in modern manufacturing. Honored finalist for Tech Company of the Year was Hood River County Education Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that primarily provides student scholarships and teacher grants in Hood River County, for providing key support for educational excellence in STEM activities including robotics, electric cars, 3D scanners, compound light microscopes, and circuit board software.
More information about the winners and finalists is available on the GTA website at crgta.org.
The Gorge Technology Alliance supports, connects and develops the technology community of the Columbia River Gorge with networking and educational events, business support and promotion, workforce development and youth robotics.
The GTA is a nonprofit professional organization supporting the high tech businesses and STEM education in the Gorge. Contact Jacque Schei with questions at 541-296-2266.
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