Now in its 13th year, the awards program is designed to honor the best in family business, educate family business leaders, and help preserve and promote family enterprise in Washington.

Nominations can be made in the following categories: small business (fewer than 50 employees); medium business (50 to 250 employees); large business (more than 250 employees); new business (fewer than 10 years); and heritage business (more than 50 years). Self-nominations are encouraged, but a firm can be nominated by anyone.

The deadline for nominations is Sept. 1. All family businesses headquartered in Washington are eligible, except for prior winners. Nominees will be invited to submit a formal application for the awards, which is due Sept. 19. Nominations will remain active for three years.

Applicants will be judged by a panel of academic experts based on innovative business strategies and practices; planning for succession; expressing family values in the business; family-business links; contributions to community and industry; number of generations (except new firms); and business performance, including growth and viability.

Winners will be announced at the Washington Family Business Education Forum and Awards Nov. 17 at the Seattle Marriott Sea-Tac. To make a nomination, visit www.plu.edu/~fament. For more information, call (253) 535-7250.