Technology key to new efficiencies, keeping customers loyal
For Immediate Release
August 14, 2018 (TORONTO) Six organizations that leveraged technology to significantly alter their value proposition were recognized Tuesday for their boldness and spirit of innovation at a time of rapid digital transformation.
Loblaw Digital, PCL Construction, the City of Vancouver, Telefilm Canada, Crisis Services Canada, and SalesChoice Inc. were recognized for digital transformation excellence at the second annual Digital Transformation Awards held in Toronto. The awards, produced by ITWC, Canada’s largest content house serving the IT industry, were presented at the conclusion of a day-long conference looking at the impact of emerging technologies on business.
“For me, the award-winning initiatives underscore the fact that digital transformation is not something of the horizon. It’s here and now, and the companies that choose to embrace it first are having great success,” said ITWC President Fawn Annan. “The spirit of technological innovation is clearly thriving in Canada.”
The national award program, which was launched in early 2017, attracted nominations from coast to coast. After 22 finalists were identified, an independent panel was given the task of selecting winners based on the measurable impact on the customer experience resulting from a technology initiative.
“It was encouraging to see so many public-sector nominations,” said Ted Maulucci, President of SmartOne Technologies and one of the judges. “In the private sector, the incentives are tangible – greater efficiencies, reduced costs, and a more engaged customer. In the public sector, though, success is measured differently.”
The winners and their categories
Large Public Sector category: City of Vancouver. Award accepted CTO Jessie Adcock.
Digital Transformation Disruptor: SalesChoice Inc. Award accepted by Dr. Cindy Gordon.
SME Public category: Telefilm Canada. Award accepted by Director, Administration and Corporate Services Denis Pion.
SME Public or not-for-profit organization category: Crisis Services Canada. Award accepted by CTO Roberta Fox.
Large Private Sector category: There was a tie. Loblaw Digital and PCL Construction. Accepting of behalf of Loblaw Digital was Senior Director of Development Sean Tozer. CIO Mark Bryant accepted on behalf of PCL Construction.
During the conference that preceded the awards, the findings of two national studies were released: an ITWC/OpenText survey of the financial services and insurance industry and the annual CanadianCIO Census looking at the state of the CIO role in Canada. The Government of Canada CIO Alex Benay opened the conference, and various panels discussed the impact of AI, best practices for security, and emerging opportunities around blockchain.
“We’re coming into a time of widening possibility when it comes to digital,” said ITWC CIO Jim Love. “Listening to our presenters and reviewing the accomplishments of our award winners, I see a dynamic spirit across the entire spectrum. This is very exciting.”
Event sponsors included BlackBerry, CA Technologies, Genesys, OpenText, Microsoft and SAS. Supporters included CATA Alliance, the CIO Association of Canada, Digital Nova Scotia, ICTC, FGS, IDC, SIM Toronto, Steam Labs, Ward Technology Talent, and Workday.
For more information, contact
Steve Proctor
Vice President Communications | ITWC
416 578- 5014
About ITWC
ITWC is Canada’s largest provider of content serving the IT industry. Independently owned, it operates websites, produces industry newsletters, hosts numerous webinars and events and provides marketing services.
