The only thing I can say is, “Wow!” Followed by the biggest grin you have ever seen on my face. As one of 7 finalists, Amazon expresses their confidence in our technology and business strategy. In all honesty, I am humbled and honored by the selection, and truly thank them for their selection of us as one of the 7 finalists.

I believe (passionately) in what we are trying to create. I believe that WeoGeo will change the paradigm in how we discover and access geo-content. I believe that we (the geospatial industry) as a community will more easily synthesize new mapping products that will help us create a better world. But these are my beliefs, and I tend to view everything we do through these rose colored glasses.

The selection as a finalist by Amazon Web Services (AWS) means that someone else out there sees the same potential for the mapping and geo-content industry as we do. It provides validation for the people who have worked so hard on this project beyond anything that I could offer, and for this I am eternally grateful.

In addition, Amazon will offer the winner of this contest a venture investment. I believe this says a lot about the geospatial industry, as well as WeoGeo. For WeoGeo to be among those considered a suitable investment opportunity by a $32 billion dollar company, we must have (1) a great business plan, (2) a great set of technology, and (3) be in an industry with high growth potential. Our industry, the geospatial industry, is now recognized by a leader in internet services industry as having high growth potential.

I’ve been grinning so much, my face hurts…