VISION has multiple meanings, from the literal sense of the brain’s interpretation of light as it reaches the eyes, to a more spiritual meaning of receiving inspirational revelations. Here at AMD, VISION is matching a person with the right computer so they can do the things they want to do. It’s communicating with consumers to help them make better buying decisions so they get the PC experience they were searching for… And now, we’re taking it a step further with the first-ever AMD VISIONary of the Year Awards.

AMD has long been committed to improving the world we live in through technology innovation and by providing people with the tools that enhance their lives. We’re sticking to our commitment and, beginning today, we’re providing you (yes, you) and nine award finalists the opportunity to turn a VISION into a reality through the AMD VISIONary of the Year Awards.

To select the finalists, we scoured the U.S. to find nine true ‘VISIONaries’ spread across three categories that our customers are passionate about: food, photography, and entrepreneurship. These finalists did not apply for the award, but were selected based on their unique offerings and drive for innovation; however, that has only got them half-way to becoming AMD’s VISIONary of the Year. The rest is up to you.

Not only does your vote help decide the 2011 VISIONary of the Year, but it also enters you into a drawing for a chance to win one of several amazing prizes, including a trip for two to Tokyo! Every vote counts, so check out our finalists below and start voting for your favorite(s)!

You can learn more about our finalists by visiting (and liking) the AMD Facebook page, or by clicking on their names below to see their Facebook profiles. You can also find complete rules and contest information at www.amd.com/visionary.

The AMD VISIONary of the Year Awards was created to help everyday people live out their passion and continue to see their VISION become a reality. By providing the tools and technology to help them succeed, we hope to help carry out the innovative spirit.

With that, I’d like to congratulate our nine finalists, and wish them the best of luck!

• Madison, Wisconsin cartographer-turned-chocolatier foodie finalist, Gail Ambrosius is creating dark chocolate with names like Cinnamon Cayenne, Jasmine, and Shitake Mushroom
• Hailing from Rockland, Maine, photography finalist Todd Baxter’s photography is reminiscent of dark fairy tales of days gone past
• Entrepreneurship finalists, Phil Tepfer and Charles Bogoian from Boston are turning garbage from American landfills into t-shirts, jackets and more at the LiveProud Group
• L.A.’s entrepreneurship finalist, Father Greg Boyle is helping ex-gang members rehabilitate by running a successful bakery, silkscreen shop, and restaurant called Homeboy Industries
• Photography finalist, Lee Cullivan from Boston uncovered a long lost inspiration with thanks to his wife and kids, creating a philosophy that relies on his eyes, his camera, and only one lens
• Foodie finalist, Steve Frailey from Kauai is pushing the raw food movement to new heights using the Noni fruit in a rolled fruit leather that heals
• Entrepreneurship finalist, Jennifer Howell from Los Angeles is bringing artists, musicians, and painters into hospitals to help cure sick children
• A photographer who matches creative artists, writers and photographers with the causes they care about, photography finalist, Burk Jackson runs Creative Cares in Portland, Oregon
• Beekeeper and foodie finalist, Corky Luster is creating specialty urban honey from backyards all over Ballard, WA that local restaurants are dying for

Tony Fernandez-Stoll is the VP of Marketing, Americas Region at AMD. His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites, and references to third party trademarks, are provided for convenience and illustrative purposes only.  Unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such links, and no third party endorsement of AMD or any of its products is implied.