Update to Governor's Innovators in Business Awards

Deadline for nomination extended to November 9, 2012 5:00 p.m. EST Nominations for the Governor's Innovators in Business Awards – formerly the Governor's Business Diversification Awards – will be accepted through November 9 to accommodate a newly added recognition category: Florida Innovators Under 40.  The Florida Innovators Under 40 awards will recognize young CEOs living and working in Florida for their job creation record, business achievements and community involvement. These younger-than-40 success stories must have raised the bar in their industry and community by bringing innovation, jobs, positive character and a track record of success to Florida and their profession. More specifically, nominees must: • be a Florida resident • be younger than 40 by October 1, 2012 • own or lead a business with annual revenue of $1 million or higher • have created 10 or more jobs since January 2011 Up to 40 award winners will be selected, with one top award to be given to a business leader in a small, medium and large business category. Applications can be accessed by clicking on the links below for the 5 categories. Applications: Governor's Business Expansion Award: For Florida companies that expanded their operations in 2011, investing capital and creating jobs for Floridians. Governor's Newcomer Award: For new-to-Florida companies that began business operations in 2011. Governor's Export Excellence Award: For Florida companies with new or significant increases in documented export sales in 2011. Governor's Innovation/Entrepreneurship Award: For Florida start-up or innovative companies that have set a standard for entrepreneurship in the company within the past five year or created an innovative product in the past 3 years. Governor's Innovators Under 40 Award: For Florida residents under 40 who own or lead a Florida company with annual revenue of $1M or more and who have created at least 10 jobs since January 2011. Past winners of the Governor's Business Diversification Awards must wait at least two years before re-applying in any award category. Eligibility: Companies in the following targeted industries are encouraged to apply, but all nominations will be considered: Aviation/Aerospace Corporate Headquarters Distribution/Logistics Education/Training Emerging Industries Financial/Professional Services Homeland Security/Defense Information Technology Life Sciences Manufacturing Marine Trade/Export Services Winning Companies Receive: Governor's Innovators in Business Award, presented by Florida Governor Rick Scott. Winners are permitted to bring one guest. Public acknowledgement: National/global recognition via posting of winners on: www.eflorida.com/govawards Announcement of winners via statewide news release. Company name listed in Florida Trend magazine. Nomination Process: Self-nominations are acceptable as well as nominations by local economic development organizations. Contact your area economic development organization by clicking on the county your business is located in: www.eflorida.com/regions Companies will compete with others in similarly sized markets. There will be nine judges for the awards program. In the case of a tie, Enterprise Florida will make the final decision. Awards will be given in each of the following market categories: Mid Market: County population up to 150,000 Major Market: County population 150,001 to 800,000 Mega Market: County population 800,001 and higher Deadline for nomination forms: November 9, 2012 5:00 p.m. EST Questions: Enterprise Florida Web site: www.eflorida.com/govawards Email: GBDA@eflorida.com  Phone: 407.956.5608 The 2012 Governor's Innovators Business Awards are cosponsored by Bank of America, Enterprise Florida and Florida Trend magazine.