June 19.  The North Carolina Technology Association has opened the nomination and application period for the annual NC Tech Awards. Winners will be announced during a gala celebration on Nov. 9 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center in Durham. The awards, known as The Beacons, will be presented to two dozen companies and organizations, as well as several individual leaders. Organizations do not need to be members of NCTA to win. The application deadline is July 15.

“The NC Tech Awards program recognizes and honors the best of innovators and innovations,” said Brooks Raiford, president and CEO of the association. “We are anticipating a strong application pool.  Individuals, companies, organizations and institutions can be nominated by third parties or apply directly. Nomination and application instructions, deadlines, and online forms are posted at NCTechAwards.com. Award finalists are selected by a review committee comprised of non-profit, media, education, and technology leaders representing various regions of the state. The awards also recognize a “Technology Executive of the Year,” which will be decided by popular vote through an online poll.