Romeoville's Men of Steel in Running for Chicago Innovation Awards

A Romeoville company has been selected as one of the Top 100 finalists in the 12th annual Chicago Innovation Awards competition.

Chicago Tube & Iron Co.—located at 1 Chicago Tube Drive, Romeoville—has been nominated for integration and creative use of the exceptionally sophisticated six axis tube laser, which is the largest in the world, according to a news release. This innovation incorporation of quantum physics is used to fabricate precision parts for Chicago Tube & Iron's customers from tubing, eliminating labor and reducing costs.

"Chicago is in the midst of a monumental upsurge in innovation," said Tom Kuczmarski, co-founder of the awards along with Chicago journalist Dan Miller. "It's inspiring to see the range of vision and the depth of talent among organizations in the Chicago area. Companies are investing in innovation and taking more risks to launch new ventures and uncover new value."

As one of the Top 100 finalists, Chicago Tube & Iron will receive a scholarship to attend The Practical Innovator, a program taught by top faculty teaching innovation at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Fifteen hundred business and civic leaders will come together to honor the winners when they are announced on Oct. 30 at Chicago's Harris Theater. Each of the top 100 finalists is also in the running for the annual "People's Choice Award," as selected through online balloting at www.chicagoinnovationawards.com.

Out of the top finalists, the judges will select 10 winners of the Chicago Innovation Awards, as well as winners of the Up-and-Comer Awards, the Social Innovator Award and the Collaboration Award. The winners will be invited to ring the NASDAQ Bell in New York City, invited to separate meetings with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn to discuss their innovation and will be profiled in Crain's Chicago Business.