The Daily Record has named AscendOne Corp. founder and Ellicott City resident Bernie Dancel one of its 2011 Innovators, an award created to recognize businesses and individuals who have had a positive effect and tremendous impact in Maryland.

The Daily Record, a Baltimore-based business publication, will honor the 2011 Innovators at a dinner Oct. 26, at which time the 2011 Innovator of the Year will be announced. Dancel is one of 24 finalists.

The Innovator of the Year recognition notes Ascend One's experiment in telecommuting that has resulted in nearly half of the company's employees working from home.

AscendOne is a debt-management company.