Philadelphia Tribune, November 2007, Written by Ayana Jones

This has been a banner year for Connexus Technology. The founders of the information technology firm, Lawrence James and Christopher Holland, have netted the Innovative Business of the Year Excellence Award from the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

The Philadelphia-based company was selected for in award category because of its original concept for a service that sets it apart from its competitors, its new use of technology and its commitment to the community.

"This award is very valuable to us because we realize in a service business that relationships are everything," said James, a 28-year-old graduate of Drexel University.

"By the fact the we are winning this award it's increasing our visibility in the city of Philadelphia which will allow us to generate more business."

One of the company's top achievements is the implementation of a SmartCard based-ID program designed for the school district of Philadelphia that implemented a reporting system for student attendance to reduce truancy rates.

Earlier this year, the founders were presented with the 2007 Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The company is scheduled to be recognized during the chamber's 25th annual Excellence Awards honoring some of the region's small business leaders durin a dinnerdance Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing.

"Defined by their number of employess, our award winners may be small in size, but their role in our region's economy is substantial. We know that the entrepreneurial spirit and success of these business owner translates in to a remarkable economic vitality throughout the region." said Chamber President and CEO Mark Schweiker.

James graduated from Dre xel University in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in information systems. After working as a software system consultant, he and Holland, a fellow Drexel alum with a degree in computer science, decided to launch Connexus in 2003.

The company — which has grown from two to 10 employees — provides information technology services to large organizations in the public and private sectors. Connexus Technology provides Business Intelligence and System Integration services to large organizations to make better decisions and improve perfomance.

The company's client list includes Drexel Universtiy, Philadelphia Department of Records, Philadelphia Parking Authority and Rohm and Haas.

Connexus recently rolled out a Web-based system (PrayerConnexus.com) geared toward uniting people around the world by linking those in need of prayer with members of churches and other organizations that have a desire to pray for others.

The company is also actively involved in communitybuilding activities, including Feed the Homeless, urban youth basketball programs and financial support for faithbased development initiatives.

Earlier this year, the business partners were presented with a Young Entrepreneur of the Year award by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Citizens Bank. James and Holland join other 2008 Excellence Award winners including include Gustavo Perea, Adams-Bickel Associates Inc. (Small Business Person of the Year); Steve Grandizio, Friendly Mortgage (Young Entrepreneur of the Year); Sterling Limousine & Transportation Services (Customer Service Excellence); The Borden Agency (Emerging Business); Pressure Products Industries Inc. (Manufacturer); PhillyCarShare (Nonprofit Organization) Capogiro Gelato Artisans (Retailer); New Way Air Bearings (Technological Excellence) and Steen Outdoor Advertising (Family Business.)

A highlight of this upcoming celebration includes the presentation of the inaugural Visionary Award to QVC. The award was created to establish a tribute for significant leadership and to honor outstanding regional organization that have grown from a small to a large company and continue to thrive and support the regional small business community.