LonMark International’s Best of the Year Awards recognize projects, products, individuals, and programs that are leading the industry in innovation and accomplishment.

October 9, 2008 – San Jose, CA – LonMark International (LMI) is currently gathering nominations for the Annual Best of the Year Awards 2008.  These awards recognize projects, products, individuals, and programs that are leading the industry in innovation and accomplishment. Nominations from around the world are flooding in for the following categories - Multi-Vendor Project of the Year, LonMark Products of the Year, Initiative of the Year and Industry Visionary of the Year. The awards ceremony and presentation will be held in conjunction with LonMark International’s annual general meeting at AHR Expo in Chicago, USA, on January 27, 2009.

“LonMark International is the recognized industry authority on interoperability standards and is therefore determined to encourage innovation as well as promote greater awareness and acceptance of open LonWorks® systems.  The LonMark International Best of the Year Awards are an opportunity for us to reward those who have shown excellence within the industry”, commented Ron Bernstein Executive Director of LonMark International. 

The four award categories reflect all aspects of the industry. The first category, the Multi-Vendor Project of the Year Award, will be judged on the degree of openness of the system, the benefit for the end-user, the overall project scope and the unique application of LonWorks towards system integration benefiting the project and the industry.

The second category is the LonMark Product of the Year Award, which will be given for new products and solutions that help foster new ideas and applications. Innovation and inspiration are the cornerstones of continued growth for any industry and this is recognized by this award, which is sub-divided into the Best LonMark Certified Device, the Best Infrastructure Product (Hardware) – including Programmable Device, Cross Industry and the Best Software Solution.

The third category the Initiative of the Year Award will recognize initiatives or programs whose mission is to enhance the industry and foster new ways of thinking, new product development, and/or new concepts in addressing industry issues. This Award will be judged upon the relevance to industry or societal issues or concerns and also the inclusion of multiple industry entities – product vendors, end-users, integrators, system suppliers, etc, as well as the usage of LonMark products as part of the implementation of a solution. Special consideration will also be given to energy efficiency, industry best practice solution, and/or sustainable design principles.

The fourth and final award category is the Industry Visionary of the Year, which will be presented to the individual who exemplifies the attributes of a true visionary. Nominations will be judged based upon the leadership role in LonMark International, LonMark Affiliate, or local users group, the level of industry support shown through public appearances, seminars, discussion groups, publication of articles in the LonMark Magazine and other trade media as well as the level of delivery of the concepts of LonWorks, open systems, and interoperability. Special consideration will be given to nominees who demonstrate the principles of industry stewardship and the implementation of these principles in their own lives and businesses.

“The Best of Year Awards 2009 are an opportunity for LMI to recognize the outstanding achievements and support shown by those within the Industry.  These prestigious awards provide the chance to identify and celebrate the innovations, the companies and the individuals who are reaching the highest professional standards and helping to drive this dynamic industry forward”, concluded Ron Bernstein.

Nominations are open to any individual or company and are being accepted until Monday December 15, 2008.  Further information including a complete list of criteria for each category can be obtained by visiting www.lonmark.org or contacting marketing@lonmark.org.

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About LonMark International

LonMark International is a major driving force in the establishment of interoperable guidelines for building, industrial, transportation, residential, and utility automation. Membership is open to any manufacturer, distributor, engineer, system integrator, or end-user committed to the development, specification, and use of open, interoperable products utilizing ANSI/CEA 709.1 and related standards.

LonMark International is a non-profit, mutual-benefit trade association with close to 600 members worldwide, and local affiliates in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. LonMark’s mission is to create, support, and promote the standards for open, interoperable LON technology-based products, systems, and professionals. For more information about LonMark International, testing, and educational opportunities please visit www.lonmark.org.

Products that have been verified to conform to the LonMark interoperability guidelines are eligible to carry the LonMark logo.

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