October 13, 2006

Lansing - The Fourth Annual Michigan Digital Government Summit concluded on Friday, October 13, having brought together more than 400 technology leaders from state and local government for a two-day conference.  As part of the government technology leadership forum, technology leaders from state, county, city and township levels of government were recognized for their excellence. 

The Michigan Excellence in Technology Awards Program, established to salute Michigan's technology professionals and managers for outstanding achievement, continues to be a highlight of the conference.  Agency heads throughout the state submitted award nominations, with a formal Nomination Committee reviewing each submission and selecting a winner in each category.

"We received award applications from across the state and from all levels of government," commented Teri Takai, Director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology.  "The panel of judges had a difficult task in selecting the best of the best."

Awards were presented as follows:

Demonstrated Leadership in Management of Information Technology

• Cyntia Zerkowski, CIO, Macomb County
• Tom McQuillan , CIO, Grand Rapids

Demonstrated Execellence in Project Management

• Jo Kelly, Chester Township History & Genealogy
• Wireless Washtenaw County

Visionary Award

• Nancy White, Chair, Macomb County Board of Commissioners
• Phil Bertolini, Deputy County Executive and CIO, Oakland County

Best Application Serving a Public Organization's Business Needs

• Imaging/Workflow for Accounts Payable, Kent County
• Education Assessment System, State of Michigan
• Identity and Access Management, Oakland County

Best Application Serving the Public

• UIA Business to Government Employer Web Portal, State of Michigan
• Email Subscription Services, Macomb County

Best IT Collaboration Among Organizations

• Educational Data Governance, State of Michigan
• City of Ypsilanti Collaboration

Most Innovative Use of Technology

• OakVideo, Oakland County

"As government continues to look for ways to improve services to citizens while improving efficiency, the boundaries between local, state and federal government are merging," added Takai.  "More and more, we see collaboration and the crossing of boundaries, as government entities are sharing solutions and working together.  Businesses and citizens will reap the rewards of shared government solutions as these boundaries become shared.  The Michigan Digital Summit provides the perfect forum for continued sharing and collaboration."

Further details about the Michigan Digital Summit can be found at:  http://www.govtech.net/ .