WINGS Program Inc. named finalist for Chicago Innovation Awards

Out of 530 nominees, WINGS Program Inc., of Rolling Meadows has been selected as one of the top 100 finalists still in the running for the 16th annual Chicago Innovation Awards.

The awards celebrate the most innovative new products and services in the Chicago region across all organization sizes, sectors and industries. Around 1,500 business and civic leaders will honor the winners when they are announced on Oct. 30 at Chicago's Harris Theater.

"This year's nominees demonstrate the economic impact that innovation is having within organizations and on the Chicago region as a whole," said Tom Kuczmarski, co-founder with Chicago journalist Dan Miller of the awards. "This year's nominees generated $3.39 billion in new revenues through their new products and services alone, and created over 24,000 new jobs."

As one of the finalists, WINGS Program Inc. received a $2,500 scholarship to attend The Practical Innovator, a daylong executive education course held Sept. 27, led by top faculty who teach innovation at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.

Finalists are also in the running for the annual "People's Choice Award," selected through online balloting at www.chicagoinnovationawards.com/2017-peoples-choice-award.

From of the finalists, the judges will select 10 winners of the Chicago Innovation Awards, as well as 10 winners of the Up-and-Comer Awards representing innovation in the startup community, the Social Innovator Award, the Collaboration Award and three Neighborhood Award-winners, which will showcase innovation occurring in Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. The winners will be invited to ring the Nasdaq Bell in New York City, invited to separate meetings with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Governor Bruce Rauner and Cook Count President Toni Preckwinkle and receive media recognition.