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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University's Austin Family Business Program has opened nominations for its Excellence in Family Business awards, which recognize the accomplishments of family businesses throughout the world.

Most businesses are nominated by patrons, but firms can self-nominate, said Thuy Tran, Austin Family Business Program assistant director.

Nomination deadline is April 1, but businesses can apply for the awards without being nominated up to the application deadline of May 1. For information on the awards, or to nominate a business, see the Web site at http://www.familybusinessonline.org or call 800-859-7609.

About 90 percent of the businesses in the country are owned and/or operated by families and any business is eligible for an Excellence in Family Business award as long as at least two of the people controlling the business are related.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of judges composed of past winners, Austin Family Business Program advisory council members, and at least one OSU faculty member. Finalists then make oral presentations to the panel on June 5. Presentations can be made in person or by phone. Winners are announced on Nov. 16 at a ceremony at the Oregon Zoo in Portland.

"The publicity behind the event isn't something a business could purchase," Tran said. The press releases, public appearances, and national recognition can go a long way in helping to boost a family business' commerce, she said.

The awards were founded in 1988 to acknowledge the accomplishments of family businesses.