WETUMPKA, Alabama - The leadership of Information Transport Solutions Inc. (ITS) trekked 4,500 miles to this month's Paris Air Show to pursue a key strategic goal - build aerospace industry connections as the firm branches into the sector.

"We want to be in the forefront with all the suppliers coming to Alabama in the aerospace technology area," ITS President Quincy Minor said.

The Elmore County firm was among several Alabama-based businesses that traveled in mid-June to the premier aerospace business development event to engage in scheduled meetings with clients and prospects. These business leaders also participated in networking events with industry officials, providing them with follow-up opportunities with high-level contacts.

Birmingham, Ala., July 1 -The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama announces today the 20 finalists for the 2015 Alabama Innovation Awards. The awards recognize companies that demonstrate significant achievement specifically in the areas of job creation, commitment to innovation, and innovation that addresses a local or global need. 

"The Alabama Innovation Awards celebrate the remarkable diversity of innovation across the state - with applications ranging from a medical device to materials management systems, from fertilizer distribution tools to touchless fingerprint biometric software," said Angela Wier, EDPA vice president. "The awards are helping EDPA discover companies that contribute to diversification of the economy and the creation of high wage careers for Alabamians. The awards are not just a celebration for accomplishment but a benchmark of success for those outstanding individuals and corporations who are nominated for these prestigious awards." 

Judges will next choose the five category winners, who all will be honored on Sept. 2 at the Fifth Annual Alabama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference in Birmingham.