Winners Named in the 2009 Idaho Innovation Awards

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Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter Presents First Annual "Governor`s Choice Award"
BOISE, Idaho--(Business Wire)--
Winners in the fourth annual Idaho Innovation Awards, presented by Stoel Rives
LLP and Kickstand, were honored at a special Awards Banquet last night by
Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter and more than 200 representatives from Idaho`s
business, technology, academic and government communities.

The 2009 Idaho Innovation Awards winners are as follows (see below for
descriptions):

Commercialized Innovation of the Year
Ultra-Fast Charging Technology by IVUS Energy Innovations

Early-Stage Innovation of the Year
Precision Nanoparticles by the Idaho National Laboratory and Idaho State University

Innovative Company of the Year
Balihoo

Innovator of the Year
Mark Rivers, Owner and CEO, Brix and Company

The nominations were judged by a Selection Committee consisting of leaders from
Idaho`s business and academic communities. Votes were tallied by accountants at
Cooper Norman.

"The quality of the 2009 nominees made this year`s program extremely competitive
and represents some of the state`s best leaders in innovative thinking and
direction," said Paul Boyd, Stoel Rives corporate attorney and 2009 Idaho
Innovation Awards co-chairman. "It`s always encouraging, but particularly so
during a slow economy, to be reminded that successful enterprises and innovative
accomplishments are still pushing Idaho`s economy forward. This year`s winners
are wonderful examples of the undeniable spirit of ingenuity found among Idaho
businesses and its leaders."

The Idaho Innovation Awards program was expanded beyond the four categories this
year to include a new award called the "Governor`s Choice Award." This award,
designed to recognize an Idahoan whose ingenuity and determination epitomize
innovation excellence, was presented by Governor Otter to Ground Force
Manufacturing President and CEO Ron Nilson.

The state`s only innovation awards program, the Idaho Innovation Awards is
presented by Stoel Rives and Kickstand. "The Idaho Innovation Awards program
serves as a tremendous venue and opportunity for Idaho residents to receive
statewide recognition for their innovative accomplishments," said Chris Volk,
Kickstand immediate past-president and chairman and 2009 Idaho Innovation Awards
co-chairman. "Kickstand is proud to be part of that effort and support the
incredible innovation that is driving business in Idaho."

The program is sponsored by the Idaho Business Review, Idaho Department of
Commerce, Idaho National Laboratory and Oliver Russell. It also receives support
from Cooper Norman, Idaho TechConnect, the Idaho Innovation Council and the
Idaho Technology Council.

About Stoel Rives LLP: Stoel Rives is a business law firm providing counseling
and litigation services throughout the United States. The firm`s 360 attorneys
provide client-focused services to a wide range of clients from 11 offices in
seven states. Stoel Rives is regarded as a leader in energy, natural resources,
environment, litigation, corporate and intellectual property law. For more
information about Stoel Rives please visit www.stoel.com.

About Kickstand: Kickstand is an entrepreneur support organization for Idaho`s
innovators, in any industry, who need help from the local community in order to
succeed. Kickstand provides live and virtual forums to foster a vibrant
entrepreneurial community and promote business creation and growth. With the
tagline "network, learn & grow," Kickstand is a non-profit group founded in 2002
by a handful of young technology companies and like-minded service providers who
believed they could achieve greater success by sharing ideas and success
stories. With some 300 members and three affiliate groups around Idaho,
Kickstand provides opportunities for its members to make connections, learn
start-up tips, and develop as individuals and members of teams or as
"intrapreueurs" inside larger companies. For more information visit
www.kickstand.org.

2009 Idaho Innovation Awards Winners

Commercialized Innovation of the Year Ultra-Fast Charging Technology IVUS Energy Innovations IVUS Energy Innovations created and patented FlashPoint Power Technology, the ultra-fast charging system that enables super-capacitors to be used in handheld consumer products that recharge in 90 seconds, require no replacement batteries, and last over ten years.

Early-Stage Innovation of the Year Precision Nanoparticles Idaho National Laboratory Precision Nanoparticles is a revolutionary and efficient nanoparticle production technology that delivers uniform, prescribed nanoparticles (1-100 nanometers) using supercritical fluids.

Innovative Company of the Year Balihoo Balihoo is the premier provider of Local Marketing Automation technology and services to franchises and national brands with local marketing needs. Balihoo brings enterprise-class marketing to the local level and gives national brands full visibility into all local marketing activities and results.

Innovator of the Year Mark Rivers, CEO and Owner Brix and Company Mr. Rivers is one of Idaho`s most active voices and action leaders in the area of economic development, who is probably best known for "making things happen" and "putting his own skin into the game."

Stoel Rives LLP
Nicole Kershaw
Business Development Manager
208-389-9000
nkershaw@stoel.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009