365 Connect CEO Named to Silicon Bayou 100 List of Most Influential Technology Innovators

NEW ORLEANS, LA – 365 Connect, the New Orleans based, award-winning online technology platform provider for the multifamily industry, announced today that its President and CEO, Kerry W. Kirby, was named in the Silicon Bayou 100 List as one of the most influential leaders in technology and entrepreneurship in Louisiana.

The Silicon Bayou 100 List, launched by Silicon Bayou News, is a list created to recognize the most active and influential entrepreneurs and technology innovators in Louisiana today. The list is created based on nominations submitted by the public. Judges were asked to consider 7 areas of possible nominee activity during judging. The 7 categorizations were: Entrepreneur, Mentor, Funder, Champion, Organizer, Technology Provider and Service Provider.

This prestigious accolade recognizes Kirby’s commitment, creativity, personal compassion, professional contributions, dedication and determination to progress technology in the multifamily industry. His achievements in creating innovative technologies made him stand out in the Silicon Bayou 100 List. Kirby made the list along side celebrities, entrepreneurs and technology innovators across the State. Two local celebrities making the Silicon Bayou 100 List with Kirby are, Super Bowl winning NFL Quarterback Drew Brees, for his work in mentoring technology entrepreneurs, and Chef John Besh, for his work in fostering entrepreneurs in urban farming technology by providing low cost loans.

Kerry W. Kirby is an entrepreneur, developer and technology innovator with deep roots across the entire spectrum of multifamily housing. His 25 years as a housing professional have encompassed development, construction, marketing and creating innovative technologies. Driven by the need for more effective delivery of resident services to apartment dwellers, Kirby organized 365 Connect in 2003 to bring the benefits of the online marketplace to the multifamily housing industry. 365 Connect has procured a high level of distinction in the Multifamily Industry for its multiple award winning web-based technology platforms. 365 Connect is a leader in web-based multifamily technology with an array of products ranging from online and mobile leasing centers and interactive resident platforms, to a leading B2B multifamily industry platform, MultifamilyBiz.com. Kirby’s focus on leading-edge technology solutions have brought several innovations to the multifamily industry, such as automated social media applications and marketing syndication platforms, both designed to reduce cost and increase efficiencies for multifamily housing operators.

Kirby’s personal accolades also include being a contributor to Real Estate v2.0: A Professional's Guide to Dynamic Websites, Blogs, and Podcasts, being featured in the BBC Digital Planet program “How to Operate a Business in a Disaster” and helping guide the BBC post-Katrina tour of New Orleans in “New Orleans Levee Systems – What Happened.” Kirby received the New Orleans City Business Innovator of the Year award in 2006 and has lead 365 Connect to three 2011 MHN Technology Choice Awards. He has published numerous technology articles and co-authored several case studies for the National Real Estate Review Journal. Kirby has been a guest lecturer on green building practices at the University of Maryland School of Architecture, has been featured on Sustainable 1000 Radio and is a frequent contributor on the Multifamily Conference Series Program.

Louisiana, known as the Silicon Bayou, is rapidly becoming a place where entrepreneurs, technology developers, innovators, and venture capitalists are making great strides in modern technology. The state government, economic development groups, universities, start-up accelerators, and many more are supporting entrepreneurship and high growth companies here like never before. “We are proud to be a part of the local technology community,” stated Kirby. “As a local company, we want to set an example that great technology is being created right here in Louisiana. Being recognized for my leadership and technology innovations in my home state, is one of the highest honors I have achieved to date in my professional career.”

A renowned speaker, author and media expert on technology in the multifamily housing industry, Kirby is scheduled to speak for several upcoming industry events including engagements with the Greater New Orleans Apartment Association, Louisiana Apartment Association and the Multifamily Conference Series Program throughout 2012.

About Silicon Bayou News: Silicon Bayou News is the leading technology media property in Louisiana reaching tens of thousands of visitors and drawing more than 90,000 page-views per month from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Our audience includes tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, brands and corporations, early adopters, social media enthusiasts, marketing, PR and advertising agencies, Web 2.0 fanatics and business and technology journalists. Our long term goal at Silicon Bayou News is to foster and support a connected and vibrant community of entrepreneurs and creatives on the Silicon Bayou – and shout about good things happening for the whole world to hear. For more information visit: www.SiliconBayouNews.com

About 365 Connect, LLC: Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, 365 Connect was founded in 2003 by a team of multifamily housing professionals with wide-ranging expertise in real estate development, management and technology. 365 Connect provides web-based technology solutions to the multifamily industry, with a focus on resident and management interaction and doing business in the digital world. Today, 365 Connect is the leader in designing and delivering award winning web-based multifamily technology platforms, with an array of products ranging from online leasing centers and interactive resident platforms to MultifamilyBiz.com, a powerful and robust B2B industry platform. More information on 365 Connect businesses and services is available on the Web at: www.365connect.com