37signals
Basecamp
2006 Winner

37signals offers a portfolio of unique Web-based tools, including tools for project collaboration and communication, for personal and business uses. The company's Basecamp, Backpack, Campfire, WriteBoard and Ta-da List products are designed to provide users a more efficient and simplistic way to perform their tasks.

"Check, Please!"
Television Show
2006 Winner

"Check, Please!" - WTTW's highest rated local program ever gives local residents the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions on Chicago's diverse restaurants. The first of its kind, the show allows viewers a unique look into the Chicago restaurant world by offering diverse commentary on a wide range of Chicago eateries.

CNT Energy (Formerly The Community Energy Cooperative)
Energy Smart Pricing Plan
2006 Winner

CNT Energy (formerly known as the Community Energy Cooperative) introduced the Energy Smart Pricing Plan in 2003. This pilot program demonstrated that real-time electricity pricing can reduce strain on the electricity infrastructure, encourage energy efficiency, and save consumers money. This successful program led to the expansion of hourly electricity pricing options for residential customers in Illinois and beyond. CNT Energy currently administers the Power Smart Pricing program for the Ameren Illinois Utilities and provides technical and communications support for the ComEd Residential Real-Time Pricing Program. CNT Energy continues to lead the way in developing and implementing innovate programs that harness the potential of smart meter and smart grid technology to create benefits for consumers, communities, and the environment.

FeedBurner
Web Feed Management Provider
2006 Winner

With its Feed Management technology, FeedBurner helps publishers of blogs and podcasts measure their audiences and sell ads, as well as enhance normal, everyday feeds so that publishers have the ability to distribute the feed for use in any RSS reader.

Goettsch Partners
111 S. Wacker
2006 Winner

Goettsch Partners' architectural design services have won multiple awards for environmentally friendly buildings. The firm designed the first project in the country to receive the LEED CS Gold rating, a national standard for sustainable design. The design and construction of the 111 S. Wacker building focus on flexibility, efficiency and economy with some of the latest office building technologies.

LoggerHead Tools
Bionic Grip Wrench
2006 Winner

LoggerHead Tools developed the Bionic Grip wrench, a new, open-ended gripping tool that combines the versatility of an adjustable wrench with the functionality of a pair of pliers. This hybrid universal tool symmetrically distributes force around the workload-distributing force over 240 degrees.

Motorola
Finger-Writing Recognition Software
2006 Winner

Finger-writing technology brings the convenience of text messaging and email right into the user's finger by using a smooth keypad on the phone with special sensors and cutting-edge, finger-writing recognition software. The latest Ming PDA phone that uses this technology has quickly established itself as the best-selling smart phone in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Ocean Tomo
Live Intellectual Property Auctions
2006 Winner

The intellectual capital merchant banking firm Ocean Tomo has created Live Intellectual Property Auctions that enable the sale of expertise and intellectual property in a revolutionary way. The auctions were the first of their kind to facilitate the buying and selling of patents, trademarks, copyrights and domain names.

Sara Lee
Soft and Smooth Made with Whole Grain White Bread
2006 Winner

Sara Lee's new Soft and Smooth Made with Whole Grain White Bread looks, tastes and feels just like white bread but is made from a blend of enriched white flour and whole-grain flour. This innovative bread product redefined one of the largest food product markets in the country.

USG
SHEETROCK Brand Lightweight All Purpose Joint Compound with Dust Control
2006 Winner

USG's SHEETROCK Brand Lightweight All Purpose Joint Compound with Dust Control has a special patented formula that binds up fine residue during sanding to form heavier particles that fall to the floor instead of clouding the air. Construction dust is greatly reduced, which increases worker productivity, keeps air dust-free and reduces the cost of cleanup.

Overview

Kuczmarski & Associates would like to thank everyone who submitted a nomination for the 2002-2009 Chicago Innovation Awards. Each celebration has been a tremendous success and would not be possible without the dedication of those who innovate great products and services in the Chicago area.

2006 Winners