The newly launched Sauk Valley Innovation Awards (SVIA) identifies and celebrates the region’s innovate businesses and acknowledges them for contribution to the region’s economy and livability. The program is a collaboration between the Whiteside County Economic Development Department and Sauk Valley Community College. Plans are to make this an annual event.
The SVIA [is] looking for new products and services that have been introduced within the last three years and can be shown to meet unfulfilled market needs.
To nominate an organization, product, or service contact Shannon Stafford/Small business Development Center, at sbdc@svcc.edu or 815-835-6244 for a nomination form. Nominations will be accepted up to Saturday, September 30, 2017.
The nominating period will be followed by networking events for nominees and the community; an award ceremony is set for late October. Nominees can be
- large or small businesses
- private or public sector
- high-tech, low-tech, or no-tech
- headquartered, or have a presence, in the region where the innovation was developed.
Locally the innovation environment has seen increased activity:
- businesses continue to introduce new products and services
- an Arts District is being started in Morrison, IL
- construction of an Innovation Center is planned at the Morrison Institute of Technology’s campus
- Rock Falls , IL, is bringing true gigabit connectivity to the region
- Whiteside Area Career Center’s CEO program continues to work with…young entrepreneurs and innovators.
Gary Camarano, Whiteside’s Economic Development Director said, “This all bodes well for the Sauk Valley Region…. All of our partners are committed to keeping the innovation culture here growing.”
According to Camarano, “Innovative businesses create a stronger, more competitive local economy…. [They] are keys to wealth and job creation, attraction of other businesses, and a quality workforce[. They] contribute greatly to a community’s livability. We want the Sauk Valley Innovation Awards to…celebrat[e] our innovative businesses, foster an innovation climate in the region, and give innovators a chance to network and possibly collaborate on other creative…projects.”
Dr. David Hellmich, President of Sauk Valley Community College added, “Innovation is often the difference between a business that is merely surviving and one that is thriving, and when businesses thrive, the community benefits. They create better paying jobs, attract outside dollars and investment, and attract talented people. We at Sauk Valley Community College want to contribute to the region’s innovation culture and help it grow. We believe innovation can be taught, supported, and grown in a community, and that the results can be transformative.”