Tech group nominates contenders

Pest-solution experts, defenders of data and nuclear-charged website designers are among the companies named as finalists by the Victoria Advanced Technology Council as it looks ahead to its 10th annual awards next month at the Victoria Conference Centre.

Nearly 40 companies and individuals have been nominated in 10 categories this year for the event which annually celebrates the best and brightest of the region's largest private industry.

"It's a fun night and a great way to celebrate Victoria's No. 1 industry and it's a unique celebration compared to most business awards nights," said Dan Gunn, executive director of VIATeC.

He said the night tends to be tinged with good humour and despite the dressed-up dinner it's always laid back. "We like that unique personality and character."

The awards this year will also be a time for some of the region's 900 high-tech firms to blow off a little steam after a difficult economic year.

"As the economy continues to improve we're looking for a more enthusiastic evening of celebrating from companies that have survived a difficult time and some others who have even grown in that time," said Gunn.

The awards, which will be held May 13, attracts about 500 representatives from the $1.7 billion local technology sector as well as the companies who support them.

According to Gunn, it's also a chance for many companies, which tend to keep their noses to the grindstone, to meet with colleagues within the sector, as well as policy makers, investors, clients and staff.

"Each year attendees are blown away by the depth of the innovation and magnitude of the accomplishments of the Greater Victoria technology sector and this year promises to do it again," Gunn said.

Tickets for the event are available from VIATeC by e-mailing info@viatec.ca