Innovation awards recognize virus response efforts

The Appalachian Council for Innovation (formerly known as the Southwestern Virginia Technology Council) held its annual gala and awards ceremony in October.

The gala recognized organizations that rose above the challenges of 2020 and went above and beyond to overcome, adapt and respond.

Awards of local interest included:

• Council Executive Director Esther Bolling received the Outstanding Regional Accomplishment award. Bolling has served as the executive director for 17 years.

“She has worked tirelessly for this council and for the good of Southwestern Virginia,” the organization stated in a press release. “Esther has donated and devoted time and money to advance the region. Her guidance and leadership took SWVTC and now the Appalachian Council for Innovation to new heights and direction. Going forward, this annual award will be referred to as the Esther W. Bolling outstanding regional achievement award.”

• The city of Norton received the Excellence in Government Response award for its actions regarding COVID-19, including “quickly creating business loans to assist operations through the early weeks.”

• Sandy Ratliff and Virginia Community Capital received the Excellence in Business Support award for their quick response to the pandemic. “Sandy and Virginia Community Capital immediately began to help regional businesses by listening and responding to their needs, providing support and workshops to keep businesses informed.”

• The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority also won the Excellence in Government Response award for its COVID-19 actions. “They recognized early in the pandemic the hardship businesses were experiencing and provided necessary funding to various regional economic and industrial development authorities for quick distribution to businesses in need.”

Event sponsors were CIT, Crutchfield, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, SYKES, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise and VCEDA.

Organized in 1999, the council exists to lead Southwestern Virginians in addressing technology issues for business, education and government with the purpose of enhancing the vitality and social well-being of the region. Council membership includes businesses, institutions and individuals from the Wytheville region to the far western corner of Virginia.

To learn more, visit www.swvtc.net.