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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Nominations are now open for the 2008 Excellence in Family Business Awards, presented by Oregon State University’s Austin Family Business Program.

James Kennedy of Consolidated Business Machines, Inc., a 1997 winner, said the process of applying or nominating a business for one of the awards is worthwhile in itself. “The Excellence in Family Business Award application process, and the assessment it provides, is as rewarding as the recognition,” Kennedy said.

Nominations, including self nominations, can be submitted on behalf of family-owned businesses throughout the Northwest including from Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and California. Nominations can be submitted online at http://www.familybusinessonline.org. or by mail, fax, or telephone. The deadline for completed applications is May 1.

Applications will be scored using an objective matrix, and there will also be opportunity to supply additional written information. Paper copies of applications are available upon request.

One winner and two runners-up will be named in four divisions that are determined by company size. The divisions are: Micro (9 or fewer employees); Small (10 to 24 employees); Medium (25 to 99 employees); and Large (100 or more employees).

The awards program is one of many year-round activities of OSU’s Austin Family Business Program, an organization that works to support and encourage family-owned businesses.

The Excellence in Family Business Awards program was founded in 1988 to honor the accomplishments and contributions of family businesses for their innovation, entrepreneurship, commitment, and community involvement.

Last year’s Excellence in Family Business Awards program drew more than 200 nominations.

The 2008 winners will be announced at an awards celebration scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Oregon Zoo in Portland.