We are excited to share a new feature with you in this issue. BNC partnered with technology advocacy association NC TECH to launch the Next Tech Awards to showcase and celebrate North Carolina’s rising tech stars. Next Tech Awards honors a selection of individuals who are critical and exceptional performers helping to grow our state’s tech and tech-enabled companies and organizations. The focus is on those who are c-suite executives and often aren’t recognized publicly. Individual winners, who are profiled on pages 52-59, will be celebrated during a reception on June 12 at the Raleigh Convention Center.
The awards honor contributors who go the extra mile, build products, increase revenue, support operations and manage projects that propel businesses forward. What these individuals share in common is their exceptional business impacts, positive energy and attitude, and community engagement.
I was fortunate to be one of the judges, which was no easy task. There are many great folks working in our state’s technology industry. The fact that these people don’t get as much attention as others makes the project unique.
My colleague, Kevin Ellis, edited the list and profiles. Here are his thoughts:
“Just from where they went to school or their backgrounds, you could tell these folks work really hard and enjoy what they do. They enjoy the challenge, and most of them relate it back to solving problems for customers or others.”
“It’s amazing at the number of these folks who give back to the community, whether it’s mentorships, volunteering or raising service dogs to give to the disabled.”
As you read about those being honored, I’m sure you will agree these are special people.
