May 19, 2006

Media advisory: Innovate Illinois regional winners

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Reporters, photographers and camera crews are invited to cover the presentation of regional awards for the Innovate Illinois contest. The awards program begins at 11 a.m. Monday, May 22 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale.

SIU President Glenn Poshard will speak at the event, which showcases some of the best innovations and novel products and processes and services by Illinois businesses. The statewide competition is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center, located at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, and the SIU Edwardsville Entrepreneurship Center are partnering to offer $40,000 in prize money for this regional competition. First place winners in each of the five categories receive $5,000.

Leading in development of regional human and financial capital needed for economic and business development is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint the University is following as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2019.