The City of St. Catharines Enterprise Centre and BitNet Niagara are pleased to announce the winners of the 6^th annual e-Niagara Web Awards held last night at Stella’s Dining Lounge, downtown St. Catharines.  Supported by the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the event served as the Enterprise Centre’s annual Salute to Small Business.

With over 120 in attendance the evening affair incorporated networking, presentations from technology industry experts and recognition of the talent and creativity of Niagara’s Technology community with the presentation of Web Awards in 10 categories and the Niagara Technology Pioneer Award.  One of the evening’s highlights was the Niagara Technology Pioneer Award presented to Alan Willick, President of Talk Wireless. “Mr. Willick’s commitment to technology and wireless network development truly make him one of St. Catharines most innovative business leaders and we are honoured that he is the recipient of the 2007 Niagara Technology Pioneer,” states Brian York Economic Development Officer for the City of St. Catharines.

Niagara web sites were judged in 10 categories ranging from best corporate site to best student designed website.  "Congratulations to all finalists (and winners).  It is important to celebrate the creativity and outstanding talent in web development in Niagara.  We are extremely pleased to help honour Niagara’s on-line accomplishments and the creative teams behind them,” said Shane Thomson, event co-producer and Manager of the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre.  The 2007 eNiagara Web Awards was sponsored by Canadian Tire Financial Services, Rogers Wireless, Reliaclear, IAW Internet Services, The Business Link Niagara, Venture Niagara, Niagara College, Brock University, Niagara Economic Development Corporation, AVW-TELAV and EC Signs. 

Niagara Internet Pioneer

A special award, the Niagara Technology Pioneer Award sponsored by Canadian Tire Financial Services, was presented to Alan Willick, President of Talk Wireless.

A life long resident of Niagara, Alan completed his high school education at Notre Dame College School in Welland. Alan’s post-secondary education began at the University of Guelph and was completed at The Control Data Institute in Toronto when he decided to pursue a technical career in the data-processing industry.

Alan’s career began in the computer field as a field service technician with GEAC Computers, one of Canada’s prominent, homegrown, high tech success stories.  With a desire for a greater challenge, Alan joined a local Motorola two-way radio dealership and moved from an office management role into a sales capacity over a period of seven years. In 1995 ClearNET acquired that business as part of their plans to enhance their spectrum and distribution position in advance of the launch of their MiKe and PCS Networks.

At the end of 1997 Alan left ClearNET to start Talk Wireless Inc., a local Motorola and ClearNET dealership. Since start-up in January 1998, Talk Wireless has grown to annual sales of over $4M.  Talk Wireless now employs twenty-four sales, service and support individuals in two offices in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls and boasts three business units:  Two-Way Radio, Telus Mobility and Broadband.  This year Talk Wireless became one of just twenty Motorola Fixed Wireless Broadband VARs in Canada with expected annual growth of 30% in the broadband arena.

Neighbourhood Wireless is the brand name for the wireless broadband network built by Talk Wireless which launched in 2003.  The network delivers high speed internet connectivity utilizing Motorola Canopy technology to the rural markets of Niagara where only dial-up was previously available.  The network currently serves approximately 300 businesses and over 1000 residential subscribers in Niagara.  The network footprint extends from Lakes Ontario to Erie and from the Niagara River to Winona and Dunnville.

Alan reveled in his twenty-five year marriage with Debbie before her cancer death in 2005, and shares his life with his two daughters and in-laws in his home in Niagara Falls.  He counts faith, family, people, travel and technology as his life passions.