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CORVALLIS - To honor the innovation and hard work of family-owned businesses, Oregon State University's Austin Family Business Program has opened nominations for the 2003 Excellence in Family Business Awards.

Family-owned businesses from Oregon, Idaho, Washington or California may apply.

Nominations, including self-nominations, can be submitted on behalf of family-owned businesses. Information is available online at www.familybusinessonline.org or by calling the Austin Family Business Program at 800-859-7609.

Deadline for nominations is June 15, 2003.

All nominees will be invited to apply for the awards beginning June 15 and completed applications are due by July 15.

To commemorate its 10th year, the program has been redesigned to include internet-based nomination and application forms. Applications will be scored using an objective matrix.

"While the previous application process was a great way for family businesses to document their history, we found that families are so busy running the business that they have little time to apply," said Mark Green, family business program director.

"With this new format, we hope more businesses will consider applying and receiving the recognition they deserve."

Family businesses account for the bulk of America's wealth with about 85 percent of all businesses in North America owned and operated by families, Green said. West Coast Bank is lead sponsor for the 2003 event, which was formerly called the Oregon Family Business Awards. Awards underwriters include: MassMutual; DeLap White Caldwell & Croy (cq); Black Helterline; The Rainier Group; Boldt, Carlisle & Smith; and Lincoln Financial.

One winner and two runners-up will be named in four divisions that are determined by company size. The divisions are: Micro (nine or fewer employees); Small (10 to 24 employees); Medium (25 to 99 employees); and Large (100 or more employees).

The Excellence in Family Business Awards event is set for Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Oregon Zoo in Portland.