(Spokane, Wash.) - Nominations are now open for the 2009 Catalyst Awards.  The Catalyst Awards recognize contributions by individuals, organizations and businesses that demonstrate the utilization of technology and innovation to bring economic development to the region.  This year's awards will also include additional categories for those individuals and businesses using clean or green technologies to make a difference.

Award categories are: 

- Company of the Year
- Clean/Green Company of the Year
- Organization of the Year
- Clean/Green Organization of the Year
- Mentor of the Year
- Ken Grunzweig Innovator of the Year 

Download your nomination form or obtain it by contacting Robin Toth at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 509.321.3636.
 
The awards will be given out at The Lincoln Center on October 23, 2009, at the LaunchPad Oktoberfest Celebration and Catalyst Awards.  This event will be presented by LaunchPad Inland Northwest, LLC, in association with Technet and Greater Spokane Incorporated (Your Chamber of Commerce and EDC).  More information on the event will be available at www.launchpadinw.com.  
 
Previous winners of the Catalyst Awards include:

- Telect Inc.
- Avista Corporation
- Washington State University
- Itron, Inc.
- Inland Northwest Health Services
- Gonzaga University Hogan Program
- Fred Brown, CEO of NextIT
- John Overby, Sirti
 
 
About Greater Spokane Incorporated
Greater Spokane Incorporated is committed to accelerating regional economic prosperity throughout the Spokane region.  Your Regional Chamber and EDC, GSI is funded by more than 1500 private-sector member investors; Washington State; Spokane County; and the cities of Spokane; Spokane Valley; Liberty Lake; Cheney; Airway Heights; Medical Lake; Newport and Millwood.  For more information, visit www.greaterspokane.org or contact us at 509-624-1393 or 1-800-SPOKANE.
 
About LaunchPad-INW
LaunchPad-INW.com is a regional social networking site owned and operated by LaunchPad Inland Northwest, LLC. Along with the social networking website, LaunchPad Inland Northwest, LLC provides social media solutions including business development consulting and customized training workshops on how to maximize social networking and social media for your business or organization. For more information including information please contact Bill Kalivas at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
About Technet
Founded in 1991 to enhance the local technology networking of Inland NW businesses and organizations, Technet served as the primary coordinator of technology events for the region.  As founders of the Catalyst Awards, Technet serves the community by supporting the annual Catalyst Awards to recognize innovation in technology. The Technet Board of Directors focuses on supporting scholarships for students interested in technology fields. The Catalyst Innovator of the Year award honors Mr. Ken Grunzweig, a local entrepreneur, volunteer and mentor who exemplified the essence of innovation and provided many hours of support to organizations like Technet, Gonzaga University and numerous start-up companies.  Mr. Grunzweig passed away in 2003 after a brief illness.