Family-owned business awards call for nominations

PORTLAND — Maine-based family-owned businesses with the goal of improving their visibility may find that opportunity through awards now being announced. Nominations are being accepted for the 12th Maine Family Business Awards, which will be awarded May 16 at the Marriott Hotel in South Portland.

The 2010 Awards drew nearly 400 to meet 18 finalists. Awards were made in these categories:

• Maddy Corson Award (fewer than 25 employees) to Sweetser's Orchards

• Leon Gorman Award (25-plus employees) to Marden's Surplus & Salvage

• Shep Lee Award (community service) to GHM Agency

Any Maine-based business with two or more members of the same family operating or owning is eligible. Nominations can be made by anyone, whether in or outside the business.

The deadline for nominations is February 26; completed applications are due April 1.

An independent judging panel selects winners based upon varied criteria: business success, positive business and family linkages, contributions to the community and industry, family participation, work environment, communication and innovative business practices or strategies.

While the Awards recognize accomplishments, during the application process they also create opportunities for companies to take a closer look at themselves and, ultimately, through the eyes of the Awards judges, to better reflect on a firm's challenges and accomplishments.

Statistics reveal less than 30 percent of family-owned businesses survive to the second generation and only 13 percent make it to the third generation.

Nominating forms are available at www.fambusiness.org or by contacting the Institute office at 780-5939. The Institute's website also contains information for businesses not entering the Awards, but that are interested in the Institute's programs and membership.