PHOENIX, Nov. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Technology Council presented its prestigious Pioneering Award for 2015 to Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Missile Systems business. Raytheon Missile Systems received the honor during the Governor's Celebration of Innovation gala at the Phoenix Convention Center.

The Pioneering award is presented to an outstanding company that has made an exceptional contribution to Arizona's technology industry through sustained business presence, corporate citizenship, community involvement and business success. 

"Raytheon Missile Systems has been described as a national asset, and it is certainly one of Arizona's most important business assets," said Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. "It is my sincere pleasure to honor the company with the Arizona Technology Council's highest award."

Raytheon Missile Systems has been an aerospace and technology leader for more than 60 years, producing and delivering more than 1.5 million missile systems. In 2014, Missile Systems employees donated more than 38,000 hours tutoring in Arizona classrooms. The company's charitable outreach includes a laser-like focus on STEM education for the benefit of students from elementary to high school.  RMS spends approximately $100 million annually with nearly 400 Arizona suppliers.

"Innovative technology is what keeps Raytheon Missile Systems at the forefront of the global defense industry. Our products and solutions help preserve freedom worldwide," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "As one of the largest private employers in the state, we create a substantial and beneficial economic impact. We also have a strong track record as a committed corporate citizen."

About the Arizona Technology Council
The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona's premier trade association for science and technology companies.  Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact on the technology industry.  These interactions contribute to the Council's culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org.

About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 93 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cybersecurity and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @raytheon.

Media Contact
John B. Patterson
+1.520.794.4559

rmspr@raytheon.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company