The Excellence in Family Business Awards Program, presented yearly by Oregon State University's Austin Family Business Program, was founded in 1988 to applaud the accomplishments and contributions of family businesses for their innovation, entrepreneurship, commitment, and heart. One category winner and two runners-up will be selected in the following divisions: • Micro (9 or fewer employees) • Small (10 to 24 employees) • Medium (25 to 99 employees) • Large (100 or more employees)

Watch this short video to hear from previous Excellence Award winners.

Eligibility

Any family business is eligible regardless of size or longevity. A family business is broadly defined as having multiple family members or generations involved in the strategic direction, management, and/or working in the company with the intention for the business to remain in the family. Previous winners are eligible to reapply every three years.

Nominations

Nominations can come from business associates, trade and community organizations, friends, and employees. Submit nominations by completing and faxing the pdf nomination form (Note: The .pdf nomination form on the website is suitable for faxing only), filling out this online nomination form, or by returning the postage-paid card attached to an official nomination brochure. All nominees will receive an invitation to apply. Deadline for nominations is April 1.

Businesses may still apply for the awards without being nominated up to the application deadline of May 1.

Applications

Any family business may apply directly online or contact the Austin Family Business Program for a paper application. Deadline for applications is May 1.

Selection

Applications will be rated by a panel of judges as well as an automated scoring process. The three highest scoring applicants will be required to make a 20-minute presentation to the judges on June 18 in Portland.

Recognition

Winners and finalists will be acknowledged in media venues and at the presentation of awards celebration to be held on November 18, 2010 in Portland. Category winners must be willing to participate in a two-hour interview, photo, and video session. All family business entrants will receive scoring feedback on their application.