ConnectKentucky names TiER 1 Performance Solutions small business of the year

Covington, Northern Kentucky-based TiER 1 Performance Solutions embraces technology, and teaches others to embrace it too.

Recognizing their contribution to the region, ConnectKentucky named TiER 1 Small Tech Business of the Year at the 2009 Tech Day, held February 24, 2009, in Frankfort, Kentucky.
 
For years, TiER 1, a leading provider of end-to-end online learning and knowledge management solutions, has helped commercial, non-profit and government organizations implement effective, efficient knowledge management solutions.  Some of their clients, numbering 120, include Federal Express, Luxottica, Kroger and the U.S. Air Force.
 
“We are excited to honor TiER1 Performance Solutions with the 2009 Small Technology Business of the Year award,” said Mr. Rene True, Executive Director of ConnectKentucky.  "TiER1 is an exemplary partner in fostering education and technology throughout Northern Kentucky.”
 
ConnectKentucky is at the forefront of a charge to revolutionize Kentucky's economy, fostering a move toward deeper involvement with technology-based economic development, through a joint effort between private and public organizations, explains True.

This is not the first time TiER 1 has received accolades.  In 2007 and 2008, the small tech powerhouse was also included in the Inc. 5000 list, as one of the nation's fastest growing companies.

“TiER 1 exemplifies the growth and assistance entrepreneurs and start-up companies can receive in Northern Kentucky,” says Casey Barach, Vice President, Entrepreneurship, Northern Kentucky ezone.  “The high-tech jobs created by companies like TiER1 are important for our community’s growth and long-term success.”

For TiER 1, the mission is clear:  help the region fully integrate the latest knowledge management technologies into businesses, the government and households.  Ultimately, this keeps the economy durable in the midst of economic turbulence.

“We take great pride in the development of our cutting edge technology solutions and the high tech jobs generated for Northern Kentucky through our success,” says Normand Desmarais, Founding Partner & Chairman.  “Northern Kentucky and the ezone have surrounded us with the support we need to succeed.”

ConnectKentucky also honored Bradley Stephens, a 28-year-old technology student at Northern Kentucky University's College of Informatics, with the 2009 Postsecondary Student Technology Award for his contribution to the design and development of the Northern Kentucky Early Childhood Database.

This database allows the Northern Kentucky cities of Covington and Newport to keep web-based records of child program involvement from birth to kindergarten.  Before Stephens helped launch this innovative solution, tabs were kept on spreadsheets, which often led to problems with sharing, editing and losing data.

Thanks to the program Stephens helped create, administrators are smoothly tracking over 1,500 children across 25 regional programs.

Stephens brought his technological acumen to the table as he collaborated with leaders from school districts to develop the database.

"The Northern Kentucky Early Childhood Development site is another tool in the arsenal of Northern Kentucky educators," Stephens says.  "The information gathered and analyzed through this site will enable educators to make informed decisions regarding various early childhood programs in Newport and Covington.  My familiarity with technology allowed me to impact the development of thousands of Northern Kentucky children."

Writer:  Jonathan DeHart
Source: Nicole King, ConnectKentucky, TiER 1 Performance Solutions, Northern Kentucky Tri-ED