Virginia's Region 2000 Technology Council Announces 10th Annual Award Winners

May 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Virginia's Region 2000 Technology Council hosted the regional technology community at it's 10th Annual Awards Night and Banquet on May 17, 2011 in downtown Lynchburg with a record crowd and an inspiring keynote by world-renowned entrepreneur Cameron Johnson. Four top winners were honored for their leadership and innovation among the technology community.

The Innovator of the Year award went to Ms. Isabelle Duston, nationally and internationally recognized founder and CEO at iLearn4Free Inc and CEO at Apps Of All Nations. Isabelle is a native of France and fluent in five languages and began her first business- Apps of All Nations -when she developed a series of iPhone cookbook apps. Her love of languages led to a second concept- ILearn4Free ipad apps. This nonprofit is helping children develop their native language reading skills in this new global and technological world.

This year's Educator of the Year award went to Mr. Douglas Wickham. Doug has been involved with Lynchburg City Schools since 1990. Over the years he has served as Technology Education Teacher with the school system teaching both middle and high school students through STEM activities; as Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS) with E.C. Glass High School where he served both students and teachers; and as Lynchburg's first Network Administrator for Instruction in 2003. Since then, he has worked with all Lynchburg City School's ITS' to provide quality professional development for teachers in the areas of science, math and technology. He frequently works with both students and teachers by developing superior activities, instructional materials and innovative approaches to STEM education.

The Technology Company of the Year award went to B&W Nuclear Energy, Inc. With locations in Lynchburg, Campbell County and Bedford County, The Babcock & Wilcox Company is a global corporation with deep roots in Central Virginia. B&W has been a pillar in the region for more than 50 years and has significantly contributed to Central Virginia's leadership in nuclear energy. B&W continues to grow and innovate through such efforts as the mPower reactor program, their involvement with the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research's new facility in New London Technology Park and their constant pursuit for the future of nuclear power. Accepting the award for Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Energy, Inc. was Mr. Jeff Halfinger, Vice President for Technology Development for the B&W mPower reactor program.

Finally, the Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Mr. Allen Leath, President of L&R Precision Tooling, Inc. Allen has demonstrated outstanding success in the development of his company, a commercial-based manufacturer of parts for a multitude of technology-based applications. L&R began in 1997 with three employees and today employees 33 people with their present operations in the 58,000sq ft. former Coca Cola Bottling Plant in Lynchburg. A man of high integrity, Mr. Leath focuses on providing quality and value to his clients, a good work environment for his employees, and support for his community.

The Region 2000 Technology Council is pleased to announce these winners of the 10th Annual Awards Night and is honored to be a part of such a vibrant and growing technology community here in our region.

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A proud member of the Lynchburg, Virginia regional area's Region 2000 partnership, the Region 2000 Technology Council’s mission is to foster an environment that stimulates innovation and growth of technology-focused organizations in our community.