Two local companies will find out next week whether they are leading lights in telecom.

Each year, Light Reading, an online telecom publication, recognizes telecom companies and executives for their achievements. The publication prides itself on its independent analysis. Winners are picked by Light Reading editors, analysts and financial experts.

This year, Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Hatteras Networks, is a finalist in the leadership category for private companies. Hatteras makes the technology that lets phone companies use traditional copper lines to transmit high-speed data. This year, it raised $21 million in private financing, and Sheehan said the company would open an office in Paris.

Bandwith.com, a telecommunications company in Cary, is up for best new service. This summer, the company, which is led by CEO Henry Kaestner, was named to Inc. Magazine's top 20 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country.

Winners will be announced Wednesday in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Kudos

The Freelon Group Architects in Research Triangle Park received two merit awards from the American Institute of Architects South Atlantic Region, one for The Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco and another for The Freelon Group Office Upfit in Research Triangle Park.

Joe Bradham, an educational consultant with Moseley Architects in Morrisville, received a 2006 Service Citation Award at the Council for Educational Facility Planner's National Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. The award recognizes excellence in service to the Council and to educational facility planning.

The winners of the 2006 N.C. Sustainability Awards are Larry's Beans, a Raleigh-based coffee roaster, which won in the Triple Bottom Line category, Warren Wilson College won in the Environmental Stewardship category, and The Center for Sustainable Enterprise won in the Innovative Initiatives category.

Julianne Fink, a paralegal at Kennedy Covington in Raleigh, has been awarded the Rookie of the Year Award by Legal Assistant Today magazine.

Billie Redmond, president of Coldwell Banker Commercial TradeMark Properties, was named a Hall of Fame member of the Legacy of Champions Foundation. She was honored for her leadership in a traditionally male-oriented field, her history of community service and her entrepreneurial spirit.