Nominations sought for innovative business award

When people hear about your new venture, do their thoughts spring to phrases such as: “Wow!” “Very Innovative,” “How Creative.” or the highly over-used, but very effective “Cool?”

If so, you’re the perfect business for the 5th Annual Apollo Award sponsored by the Racine County Workforce Development Board. This award recognizes the accomplishments of a business owner or entrepreneurial team who started a new and innovative business in Racine County in the last three years. The winner of the Apollo Award will receive a $2,000 prize from the Racine County Workforce Development Board to be used for marketing, product development or research and development.

Pradeep Jain, president of Ictect, the 2009 winner, had this to say about the award: "The award provided recognition to Ictect in the local and statewide media. We received some inquiries and interest in our offerings as a result. Further, the money was helpful toward additional business development activities that we undertook."

Nomination packets are available from Kim Bartel at 638-6643. Nominations will be accepted until March 13. The presentation of the Apollo Award will be made at the RAMAC Annual Meeting to be held at a dinner April 14 at the Racine Marriott.

The award was developed in the interest of promoting entrepreneurial spirit in the Racine area, and encouraging creative, innovative business people to make their dreams a reality while providing jobs and economic stimulus for the area. The selection committee includes representatives from RAMAC, the Workforce Development Board, the Small Business Development Center, Racine Unified, Burlington School District, Gateway Technical College and last year's winner, Ictect.