New awards ceremony to be launched at Retail Systems

NEWTON, Mass. - Retail Systems Alert Group, organizers of the annual Retail Systems Conference & Exposition, announced in a news release the launch of the S.T.A.R. (Systems & Technology Achievements in Retail) Awards, which will be presented in a private ceremony May 25. The awards are part of Retail Systems 2005, May 24-26 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The S.T.A.R. Awards, sponsored by Viacore, bring together two prestigious industry award programs - The Retail Systems Achievement Awards and the WWDEXECTECH 2005 CIO Awards. These annual awards pay tribute to the extraordinary achievements of both successful organizations and individuals within the retail industry.

"Combining both awards programs provides a comprehensiveness not seen in any other program," said Eric Olson, vice president of products and services, Retail Systems Alert Group. "At the S.T.A.R. Awards, we will honor both individuals and companies in an atmosphere of camaraderie."

The Retail Systems Achievement Awards, presented by Retail Systems Alert Group and Chain Store Age, honor outstanding examples of systems and innovative applications that have resulted in more effective customer service and improved business processes. These awards recognize individuals and companies whose efforts and company-wide dedication to information technology and effective business processes have raised standards throughout the industry. Award categories include:

• Best in Customer Touchpoint Systems
• Best in Corporate Systems
• Best in Multi-channel Innovation
• Best in IT/Business Alignment