Tier1 named ConnectKentucky’s Small Technology Business of the Year

Business Courier of Cincinnati

Tier1 Performance Solutions will be recognized Tuesday as ConnectKentucky’s Small Technology Business of the Year as part of the 2009 Tech Day in Kentucky.

ConnectKentucky encourages increased adoption of technology across the state in a way that benefits businesses, public institutions and households. Covington-based Tier1 is a provider of online learning and knowledge management tools.

“We are excited to honor Tier1 Performance Solutions with the 2009 Small Technology Business of the Year award,” Rene True, executive director of ConnectKentucky, said in a news release. “As a collaboration of private and public entities, ConnectKentucky is uniquely positioned to facilitate technology-based economic development and Tier1 is an exemplary partner in fostering education and technology throughout Kentucky.”

Last year, Tier1 was named in the Inc. 5000 list as one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies for the second year in a row.

“Tier1 exemplifies the growth and assistance entrepreneurs and startup companies can receive in Northern Kentucky,” said Casey Barach in the release. Barach is vice president, entrepreneurship, for Northern Kentucky Tri-ED.

Tier1 started in Covington’s Madison E-Zone – now a division of Northern Kentucky Tri-ED called the Northern Kentucky Ezone – in 2002. It graduated from the technology incubator in May 2003.

“The high-tech jobs created by companies like Tier1 are important for our community’s growth and long-term success,” Barach said.

Normand Desmarais, Greg Harmeyer and Kevin Moore and their team of 40 employees at Tier1 have more than 120 customers, including Federal Express, Wendy’s, Luxottica, Kroger, the U.S. Air Force and several nonprofits.

“We take great pride in the development of our cutting-edge technology solutions and the high-tech jobs generated for Northern Kentucky through our success,” Desmarais, founding partner and chairman, said in the release. “Northern Kentucky and the Ezone have surrounded us with the support we need to succeed.”