Stoel Rives Launches Nomination Period for 2008 Idaho Innovation Awards and Expands Scope of Recognition to Include Innovative Professionals and Companies

The nomination period for the third annual Stoel Rives Idaho Innovation Awards program is now open and program organizers are accepting nominations in two new non-technology categories: Innovator of the Year and Innovative Company of the Year. Nomination forms can be submitted online at http://www.stoel.com/innovation until August 13, 2008.

As the state’s only innovation awards program, the Idaho Innovation Awards has recognized innovations exclusively in the technology industry for the past two years. However, this year the Idaho Innovation Awards program will recognize innovative professionals and companies in addition to technology innovations.

“We expanded the scope of the program in light of the role that innovation plays in all of Idaho’s industries and business sectors,” said Paul Boyd, a corporate attorney with Stoel Rives. “Success in every venture, and at every level, no matter what the business, depends on innovative thought, direction and design. We want to recognize all facets of innovation taking place across the state.” The 2008 Idaho Innovation Awards program will recognize innovations in the following categories:

Category and Description

* Innovator of the Year

This category is designed to recognize innovative business professionals; individuals who demonstrate innovative characteristics and thinking in their careers and accomplishments.

* Innovative Company of the Year

This category is designed to recognize innovative companies; companies that have implemented an innovative business model, and provide an environment that supports innovation in all aspects of its operations.

* Innovation of the Year:

Commercialized Technology

This category is designed to recognize technology innovations from companies that have been established for more than five years and that are on the market, contributing to the local economy.

* Innovation of the Year:

Early-Stage Technology

This category is designed to recognize technology innovations from companies that are less than five years old, may or may not be commercialized, still in or just emerging from the R&D stage, or coming from a nonprofit/academic entity such as a technology transfer office.

Additional information on the categories and submission qualifications can be found at http://www.stoel.com/innovation. Nominations will be reviewed by a Selection Committee consisting of leaders from Idaho’s business and technology sectors. Finalists will be announced in September. Finalists and winners will be recognized at an Awards Luncheon in October.

About Stoel Rives LLP: Stoel Rives is a business law firm providing counseling and litigation services to a wide range of clients throughout the United States. The firm has more than 350 attorneys operating out of ten offices in six states. Stoel Rives is regarded as a leader in energy, natural resources, environmental, litigation, corporate and intellectual property law. For more information, visit http://www.stoel.com.