ANN ARBOR ? The Ann Arbor IT Zone, which turns five years old this year, will mark its birthday with a bash March 22 at the brand new MI Tech Building, the new home to Internet2 and Merit. The festivities include the first Z Awards: A Celebration of InnovaTion in Washtenaw County.

?It?s real exciting,?? said IT Zone President Diane Durance. ?It will be the first public event in the building, providing our local community with an introduction to the technology available there.?

And a salute to the Ann Arbor area technology community with the Z Awards, a idea thought up by Larry Eiler, co founder of Eiler Communications. The Awards will be given in five categories. Finalists include:

The IndesTructible Award for the organization that has bootstrapped its way to success with no outside financial assistance. Finalists include: noPlace.com, Gene Codes, West Pole, Inc.

The ImpacT Award for the organization that has contributed the most significant number of high-tech jobs to the area. Finalists include: Susan Lackey of Washtenaw Development Council, Arbortext, Assay Designs.

The InsighT Award for the individual who has selflessly donated his/her time and expertise for the betterment of the local technology business community. Finalists include: Barb Shoffner, Tom Kinnear, Phil Tepley.

The IlluminaTion Award for the individual or organization who has gained recognition for Washtenaw County as a technology hub. Finalists include: Dr. David Brophy, Esperion, Tom Grace.

The IngenuiTy Award for the individual or organization who has introduced the coolest, breakthrough technology. Finalists include: Sensicore, Cybernet Systems, Adaptive Materials.

Durance said winners will receive custom-made tiles, suitable for hanging on the wall, made by Motawi Tileworks.

Sponsors for the birthday bash and awards ceremony are Plante & Moran, GDI Infotech, Comcast, Internet2, MAVdevelopment and Dykema Gossett. The video will be provided by Enlighten, the space by MITC, and the refreshments by Fabulous Foods.

To register for this free event, click on AnnArborITZone.Com