MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of technology's place
as a "powerful engine for economic growth" in a state that "is committed to
promoting the success and sustainability of Minnesota's technology
industries," Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proclaimed October as Technology Month in
Minnesota.
In his proclamation, the governor cited several reasons for recognizing
the importance of technology in Minnesota, including:
-- Minnesota has more than 6,000 technology companies that employ more
than 135,000
-- The Twin Cities and Rochester, Minn., are ranked among the top 10 most
inventive cities in the U.S., as measured by patents per capita
-- The University of Minnesota ranks among the top three public research
universities in the nation
-- Minnesota ranks in the top 10 in the nation in terms of adults with
Internet access, technology in schools and technology jobs
-- Technological innovations that have occurred in Minnesota include
mainframe computing, access to the Internet and multiple life-saving
drugs and medical devices
Additionally, Pawlenty noted that Minnesota is aggressively pursuing a
strategy to recognize and build on the state's unique qualifications as a
leading center of biosciences commercialization. In September, the governor
made his first foreign trade mission, to Canada, to promote Minnesota
biosciences technology.
Pawlenty will be the keynote speaker for the fourth annual Tekne Awards on
Thursday, Oct. 23, to celebrate companies and individuals that have shown
superior technology innovation and leadership in Minnesota. The event, to be
held at the Minneapolis Convention Center starting at 4:30 p.m., is sponsored
by the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) and Minnesota Technology, Inc.
(MTI), in partnership with Medical Alley, MNBIO and Minnesota Project
Innovation. The governor's speech and the awards ceremony begin at 7:15 p.m.
Finalists for the 2003 Tekne Awards represent technology innovators that
have made lasting contributions to enhancing the quality of life and
competitiveness of Minnesota. The awards are separated into categories that
recognize leaders in the innovation, development, commercialization and
management of technology in Minnesota.
William W. (Bill) George, former chairman and chief executive officer of
Medtronic, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his years
of leadership and innovation.
For more details about the Tekne awards ceremony, visit
http://www.tekneawards.org or contact Tina Volpe at 952-230-4552 or tvolpe@mhta.org .
About MTI
Minnesota Technology, Inc. (MTI) is recognized as a leading provider of
technology information and strategic consulting services for manufacturers,
technology businesses, and communities throughout Minnesota and the Midwest
region. MTI combines strategic advice and information with technology to meet
its customers' quality, productivity, and profitability goals. MTI has a 10-
year return on investment track record of adding more than $800 million to the
bottom lines of 4,500 small to medium-sized Greater Minnesota companies. For
more information, visit http://www.minnesotatechnology.org .
About MHTA
The Minnesota High Tech Association accelerates the growth, success and
sustainability of Minnesota's technology-based economy through public policy
advocacy, member collaboration and education, and community outreach. MHTA is
the only membership organization that represents Minnesota's entire
technology-based economy. MHTA members include organizations of every size -
involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production,
application and education in Minnesota. MHTA works in partnership with AeA,
which represents Minnesota's technology organizations nationally. More
information on the MHTA can be found at http://www.mhta.org .
SOURCE Minnesota High Tech Association
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Related links:
http://www.tekneawards.org
http://www.minnesotatechnology.org http://www.mhta.org
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/144694.html
CONTACT:
Peter Lindstrom of Minnesota High Tech
Association, +1-952-230-4551, plindstrom@mhta.org
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