FORT WAYNE – Eight northeast Indiana companies will be honored this month at a special awards ceremony for their innovative businesses, products or services. At the event, one of the eight will be revealed as the 2014 Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly Innovator of the Year. The 2014 Innovation Awards category winners are: Emerging Company – 3BG Supply Company, Alex Smith Health Care – Indicator, Max Maile Retail – Memories of You, Dawn Blomeke Customer Service – League for the Blind & Disabled, David Nelson Sales/Marketing – Fleet Feet Sports Fort Wayne, Kevin Croy Professional Services – Advanced Media Integration, Martin Smanzenko Real Estate/Construction/Design – MKM architecture + design, Zach Benedict Technology – Adaptek Systems Inc., Joseph DePrisco Indicator is a Warsaw-based company that focuses on indoor mapping and proximity technology using iBeacons. Indicator creates apps that work in conjunction with a network of bluetooth devices located in areas where maps may be useful, such as stores, malls, zoos, hospitals or factories. Used in conjunction with smartphones, as an individual approaches a beacon, specific advertising, messaging or maps can pop up on the phone. Indicator earned the award for an app created to assist patients and families to navigate large and complex hospitals. Relieving the stress and anxiety of patients and family members is the goal, because everyone feels an overwhelming sensation of being lost in the large medical complexes, Maile said. The category winners were selected by a panel of judges from nominations sent online. The Innovator of the Year will be determined after category winners make a personal presentation to the judges.
