COVITS Kicks Off With Awards

The Commonwealth of Virginia's Information Technology Symposium (COVITS) kicked off yesterday in Richmond, Va., with a reception and technology award presentation that honored the most innovative in the public and private sector.

For the past seven years, COVITS has examined issues and challenges facing governments and the solutions offered by the private sector. This year, the theme for the event was "The Promise of Digital Government" -- showcased by the winners of the sixth annual technology awards. The awards program honors outstanding achievements, and recognizes successful technology and economic development initiatives in the public and private sectors throughout Virginia.

"[Our winners] launched technology initiatives that forwarded the governor's initiatives," said Eugene Huang, the secretary of technology of Virginia. "They are true achievers in the community."

Fairfax County, Va., received the eGovernment award for its use of technology to deliver services to citizens. Luna Innovations received the entrepreneur award for its use of technology to grow into new markets, to increase jobs in Virginia and to participate in regional business activities. The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy received the award for innovation in technology, and the Virginia Department of Taxation with CGI-AMS received the public-private partnership award, "demonstrating a mutually beneficial relationship in which cost-effective, innovative technology solutions leverage industry investment and result in integrated technology solutions that enhance service delivery to the citizens of Virginia." Since December 2001, CGI-AMS has helped the department develop a self-service, telephone-based collection tool that resulted in the recovery of more than $25 million in delinquent state tax debts.

"From day one, all eyes have been on Virginia," said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. In 2005, cities and counties in Virginia collected top rankings in the organization's digital survey and Best of the Web results. In the rankings of digital states, Virginia moved from 28th place in 2001 to third place in 2004. "As someone who visits all 50 states, there has been real leadership in the Commonwealth," Robinett said. "The people [here] made it happen. I want to applaud you in a big way."