DES MOINES, IA (November 6, 2024) – The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) revealed the winners of the 2024 Prometheus Awards presented by UHY at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.
The annual Prometheus Awards united technology pioneers, industry leaders, educators, and government representatives to honor the year’s most remarkable achievements and successes across Iowa’s dynamic technology landscape. This year’s record-breaking nominations resulted in an incredible lineup of award finalists and winners across 13 revamped categories.
The awards were judged by a panel of distinguished technology leaders from across the state. You can find a complete list of winners at the TAI website.
The City of Waterloo was named Technology Community of the Year. Accepting the award was Mayor Quentin Hart who said, “Access to affordable, reliable, and customer-oriented broadband should be a right, not a privilege, for every citizen. Regardless of neighborhood or property value, Waterloo Fiber and our smart city initiatives are committed to serving our entire community. We’re proud to offer a service that’s truly for the people, by the people.”
General Manager, Eric Lage said, “Thank you to the Technology Association of Iowa for recognizing Waterloo as a leading technology community. Waterloo Fiber’s commitment to delivering fast, affordable, reliable internet to every part of our community will not only drive economic growth but improve the quality of life for the residents of Waterloo.”
“Waterloo is proud to be home to the largest public utility in Iowa, now providing the fastest fiber internet service to every resident and business in the city. This groundbreaking achievement highlights the dedication and innovation of the Waterloo Fiber team, our employees, board of directors, and advisors who made this milestone possible,” Board Chair, Andy Van Fleet said. “ Receiving the prestigious Technology Community of the Year award further solidifies Waterloo’s position as a technology leader, not only in Iowa but as a model for communities nationwide. We are thrilled by this recognition, which paves the way for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.”
Founded in 1997, The Technology Association of Iowa is a statewide, member-based organization focused on building and uniting Iowa’s technology community. TAI empowers its members and elevates Iowa’s tech industry through engaging programming, premier events, talent development, driving public policy, and fostering a culture of inclusion to lead Iowa forward.
“Waterloo’s visionary commitment to leveraging technology, guided by the leadership of Mayor Quentin Hart, exemplifies what it means to drive meaningful, lasting community impact. Through their ambitious fiber optics initiative led by Waterloo Fiber, Waterloo has set a new standard for digital connectivity and smart infrastructure across Iowa,” said Brian Waller, President at the Technology Association of Iowa. “By expanding affordable, high-speed internet access to all neighborhoods and integrating essential city services, Waterloo is paving the way for a more equitable, resilient, and future-ready community. Congratulations to the City of Waterloo, Mayor Hart, and Waterloo Fiber for being named the 2024 Technology Community of the Year.”
