COLUMBIA, MD (November 14, 2008) – The Howard Technology Council, the premier resource for technology business growth in the county, honored six Howard County technology-based  companies and two individuals at its inaugural awards dinner on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory's Kossiakoff Center. 

Recognized as for their innovative approaches and for their contributions to the economy, as well as the Howard County community, the 2008 honorees are:

Legislative Advocacy

Karen Syrylo: Karen Syrylo, CPA, was recognized for her significant contributions to improving the regulatory business environment for technology firms.  As State Taxation Consultant to the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Syrylo’s work was instrumental in the repeal of the Tech Tax, and other onerous legislative amendments imposed in the 2007 Special Session.

Technology Legend

Steve Walker: Steve Walker, President of  Steve Walker and Associates and Managing Partner of Walker Ventures, is a Howard County serial entrepreneur who has made a long-term and significant impact on the regional technology business community.  His achievements, leadership, and dedicated volunteerism inspire others, and have helped to build a strong support system for technology entrepreneurs in the county.

Biotech Company of the Year

Cera Products: Cera Products is a developer, manufacturer, and distributor of rice-based high-performance oral rehydration solutions.  Its primary products, CeraLyte and CeraSport, augment the body’s rehydration process by speeding and sustaining the absorption of electrolytes, salts and minerals.  Cera products enhance recovery from dehydration, avert hospitalization, and save lives.

New/Emerging Company of the Year

Collective X: CollectiveX has created a novel, customer focused online collaboration product using Web 2.0 software engineering tools.  Their web-based service enables people to create collaboration communities called Groupsites. Users can create Groupsites to maximize “Return On Involvement”, using the most useful features of traditional websites, discussion forums, listservs, blogs, collaboration software and social networks.

Green Company of the Year

Green Connected: Green Connected uses technology in an innovative way to improve access to sustainable living and business practice resources, creating a unique online tool to benefit local and regional communities. An innovator in the green technology revolution, Green Connected is the first website of its kind that helps companies, non-profit organizations, businesses and consumers find vendors and resources to go green.

Supporter of the Council

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC): SAIC works to solve complex technical problems in national and homeland security, energy, the environment, space, telecommunications, health care and logistics for its customers.  Not only does the company serve its customers, but it also serves the communities in which it locates offices.  SAIC was on of the Howard Technology Council’s first sponsors; this early support was critical to the successful launching of the Council. 

Spotlight Award

Sagentia: Sagentia is a global product development and technology consulting company.  Sagentia’s drive to innovate and create value from technology, combined with their unique method of building collaborative, project specific teams keeps them at the forefront of business trends and best practices.  This firm significantly expands the technology development capabilities in the region, bringing to bear world class, innovative thought leadership. 

Technology Company of the Year

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory:  The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit center for engineering, research and development.  APL serves as a technology resource to the Department of Defense and other Government agencies, and is the premier technology generator in the county.  Over 4,300 highly talented APL scientists and engineers work on more than 400 programs in 11 business areas, advancing the country's objectives for their military and civilian government customers. 

The Howard Technology Council is a component of The Howard County Economic Development Authority whose purpose is to encourage business growth and develop educational programs for the technology community of Howard County. The Howard Technology Council is headquartered at the Center for Business and Technology Development. To learn more about the Howard Technology Council please contact Larry Collins Executive Director, Howard Technology Council lcollins@hceda.org.

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• To view the Howard Technology Council's 2008 Technology Awards program, please click here.