2008 Super Bowl Host Committee Chairman and Retired NFL Superstar to Emcee 2007 Governor’s

By: Legal - Law News

Co-founding partner of Gallagher and Kennedy Law Firm, Michael Kennedy and retired NFL superstar, Dave Krieg, will emcee this year’s Governor’s Celebration of Innovation (GCOI) “Super Ball” on December 6th at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

Mr. Kennedy practices in civil litigation and has served as President of the Maricopa County Bar Association and President of the Phoenix Association of Defense Counsel. He is also a Founding Master of the Sandra Day O’Conner Inn of Court as well as a Founding Fellow of the Arizona Bar Association. Mr. Kennedy has served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Superior Court and Court of Appeals and on several judicial committees such as the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference and the Arizona Appellate Court Commission. He currently serves on the Brophy College Prep Board of Regents, is a member of The Phoenix Thunderbirds, and is Chairman of the 2008 Super Bowl Host Committee. “I am ecstatic to be the co-host of this year’s Governor’s Celebration of Innovation and I applaud the efforts of the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Department of Commerce for putting together an event that awards the achievements of Arizona’s fine technology community,” said Michael Kennedy.

Mr. Krieg has a successful professional football career that spans 19 years, includes countless awards, recognitions, records and honors, and landed him into the Seahawks Ring of Honor in 2004. Dave Krieg played 12 seasons (1980-1991) with the Seattle Seahawks and seven seasons (1992-1998) thereafter, sporting the uniforms of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Detroit Lions, the Arizona Cardinals, the Chicago Bears and the Tennessee Titans. In his years in Seattle, he was the club's all-time leader in 31 categories. His NFL career totals rank in the top 10 among all-time NFL quarterbacks in four categories: attempts (5,311), completions (3,105), passing yards (38,147), and touchdowns (261). Dave Krieg was inducted into the Seahawks Ring of Honor in 2004, joining only 7 other Seahawks in earning this prestigious honor. Mr. Krieg adds, “It will be outstanding teaming up with Michael Kennedy in helping to celebrate, recognize and congratulate the people who develop and advance the astonishing technology of our future. They, themselves, are ALL superstars!”

The 2007 GCOI will feature a pre-event Reception (sponsored by Ensynch) and a Technology Showcase (sponsored by Google), designed to allow finalists to demonstrate and talk about their innovations with attendees before the award ceremony begins. After the main event, winners, distinguished guests, and attendees who have paid a premium ticket price will be able to continue the celebration at an “MVP AfterParty” in the Insight Lounge of the University of Phoenix Stadium.

“This really is going to be the ‘Academy Awards’ for Arizona’s technology industry,” said Ron Schott, Executive Director of the Arizona Technology Council. “More than that, though, the success that the event has had over the years reinforces that Arizona is a state that supports innovation and that it is welcoming to the entire breadth and depth of technology-related business and academic endeavors. I’m looking forward to this event.”

About the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation

The Governor’s Celebration of Innovation was established in 2003 by combining two technology award ceremonies: the High Tech Industry Cluster’s 17-year student awards ceremony and the Arizona Software and Internet Association’s 10-year “Celebration of Innovation”. With the addition of the Governor’s support, the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation has become the premier technology community gathering of its kind in Arizona. The inaugural Governor’s Celebration of Innovation took place in November 2003 and was a colossal success with over 1,200 in attendance. Tickets and tables are still available!

About The Arizona Technology Council

The Arizona Technology Council is the largest member-driven technology association in the state. The AZ Tech Council represents the interests of over 235,000 employees across more than 500 of the leading technology companies their support firms, educational institutions and state-wide economic development groups that collectively form Arizona’s technology community. Ron Schott is the Executive Director of the Arizona Technology Council. Along with Mr. Schott, the organization is led by chairman of the board, an appointed executive committee and a board of directors comprised of a cross-section of academic, private and public sector professionals.

About the Arizona Department of Commerce

Collaborating with economic development partners statewide, the Arizona Department of Commerce works to create jobs, expand the tax base, increase per capita income and promote a globally competitive business environment. The agency provides reliable information and research, community assistance, targeted business attraction and development coupled with strategic workforce development. Nationally and internationally, the Department of Commerce promotes Arizona assets: a growing, high-tech workforce; competitive operating environment; easy access to major markets; affordable, available real estate; reliable utilities; abundant natural resources and an unmatched quality of life.