Wi-Ex Wins Inaugural Gwinnett Innovation Challenge

Wi-Ex formerly Wireless Extenders, won first place in the Growth Stage category of the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge. The announcement of winners was made at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce meeting. Gwinnett Innovation Challenge is an annual competition designed to recognize and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship with ties to Gwinnett County. In February, Wi-Ex was also named one of the Top Innovative companies in GA by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). Wi-Ex provides the first and only consumer-priced suite of products that address the problems caused by cell phone signal loss in homes, offices and cars. The easy to install units Extend Cell Zones TM for users by improving signal strength for better voice and data transmission while maintaining the integrity of the carriers’ networks.

Cell phone signal loss or reduced signals are due to trees and building materials that block or absorb the signal. According to research, over 35% of cellular phone users nationwide experience poor quality or loss of signal strength when using a cell phone in their office or home. In addition, many users find “dead zones” or reduced signals while driving. Increasing the signal coverage can translate into increased productivity and savings.

“We were honored to be a finalist and winner in the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge and are grateful for the cash and many other prizes that were awarded to us. When you are as passionate about your products as we are, it is truly confirming and rewarding to receive the recognition given to Wi-Ex as an innovative and viable business by an impressive group of judges. I have no doubt that this competition will continue to grow in stature and attract even more innovative and aggressive companies as participants in future years,” commented Lloyd R. Meese, CEO and president of Wi-Ex.

The Gwinnett Innovation Challenge is championed by a number of local leaders with a long history of support for innovation, entrepreneurship and civic service in Gwinnett County. In a ceremony at the Gwinnett Technology Forum on April 18th attended by over 150 people, Pet Wellness Plans, Inc., the Seed Stage winner, was awarded $15,000 cash and $20,000 in professional services, launch pad office space and software products and Wireless Extenders, Inc., the Growth Stage winner, was awarded $20,000 cash and up to $25,000 in professional services, launch pad office space and software products. Presenting the awards were Doug Meyer, President of Sage Software, Bill McCargo, Vice President of Scientific Atlanta, and Leland Strange, CEO of Intelligent Systems, all Trailblazer sponsors of the contest.

According to Leland Strange, CEO of Intelligent Systems and one of the organizers of the contest, “Judging by the number and quality of this year’s participants, I am certain that many of the entrants in the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge - and not just our two winners - will become very successful companies that contribute to a vibrant local economy for many years. I think I can speak for all of the sponsors and judges in extending congratulations to Pet Wellness Plans and Wireless Extenders on their accomplishments and vision and we all anticipate an even bigger and better Challenge next year.”

About the Gwinnett Innovation Challenge

The Gwinnett Innovation Challenge, initiated and organized by Intelligent Systems Corporation, is an annual competition designed to recognize and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. The Gwinnett Innovation Challenge is championed by a number of local leaders with a long history of support for innovation, entrepreneurship and civic service in Gwinnett County. Trailblazer sponsors are Scientific Atlanta, Sage Software and Intelligent Systems; Catalyst sponsors include the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Innovation Park and Gwinnett Business Journal; and the Innovation Network sponsors include Andersen, Tate, Mahaffey & McGarity; Carabiner Communications; Moore Stephens Tiller; Morris, Manning & Martin; and TechCFO.

About Wi-Ex

Wi-Ex (formerly Wireless Extenders), developed the first consumer-priced signal booster for the small office/home office (SOHO) cell phone market. They manufacture and distribute the YX series of cell phone signal extenders for the home, office or car. The units Extend Cell Zones TM for users by improving signal strength for better voice and data transmission while maintaining the integrity of the carriers’ networks. They are easy to install, affordable and available at many retail outlets. These signal extenders work with most carriers including Cingular, Sprint and T-Mobile. Wi-Ex continues to develop innovative products to meet the demands of an increasingly wireless society by enhancing wireless signals. To learn more, visit (www.SolidSignal.com).


Source: X-Man