Web hosting and VoIP services provider Cbeyond Inc. announced that President and CEO Jim Geiger received the American Electronic Association (AeA) 2006 Southeast Spirit of Endeavor Award for Technology Entrepreneur. He was also a finalist in the Outstanding Leadership category and Cbeyond was a finalist in the Emerging Business category.

AeA’s Spirit of Endeavor Award for Technology Entrepreneur recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership in bringing technology to the market, serving as a model for others to follow, and above all, representing the "Spirit of Endeavor," a critical component in the creation and execution of ideas that the technology industry thrives upon.

“I’m honored to be recognized by the AeA for my spirit of endeavor,” said Jim Geiger, president and chief executive officer for Cbeyond. “With more than 23,000 entrepreneurial customers, it’s exciting to see the impact Cbeyond has made by staying true to our founding mission of delivering ‘big business’ communication services to small businesses at prices they can afford and that we can deliver profitably. Entrepreneurs are our cause at Cbeyond, and I’m proud to be part of this distinguished group.”

Geiger earned the AeA honor for his vision in leveraging VoIP to deliver an integrated package of voice, mobile and broadband Internet services to small businesses. These services are easily managed online and include enhanced applications such as voicemail, email, Web hosting, fax-to-email, data backup, file-sharing, and VPN. This award also recognized Geiger for his contribution to the evolution of IP networks and open platforms through leadership roles and active participation in telecommunications industry trade associations.

The AeA’s Southeast Spirit of Endeavor awards are open to the entire technology industry and honor individuals and companies who have made significant achievements within the technology industry. Geiger was presented his award at the AeA’s annual ceremony on September 14, 2006, at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Ga.