December 20, 2005

The Michigan Compliance Advisory Panel, in conjunction with the National Steering Committee for the Small Business Ombudsman/Small Business Assistance Programs (SBO/SBAP), is seeking nominations for the 3rd Annual Small Business Recognition Awards.

There are three categories of awards: 1) Small Business Assistance Program; 2) Small Business Environmental Stewardship; and 3) Trade Association Environmental Leadership. More than one award per category may be given, and previous winners are not eligible.

The Small Business Assistance Program Award recognizes exemplary performance in one or more areas where individuals and programs have contributed their time, created resources and work products, promoted policy advancements, developed program innovations, and established new partnerships to build a strong network of small business assistance.

The Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes exemplary performance in pollution prevention leadership, industrial environmental leadership, and/or community environmental leadership. The nominee(s) must have worked with their local, state/territorial, or national SBO/SBAP in these efforts.

The Trade Association Environmental Leadership Award recognizes exemplary performance and leadership by a trade association to enhance members' compliance with applicable environmental regulations and to encourage stewardship of the environment. Nomination submittals should emphasize environmental leadership and/or environmental partnership.

The winners will be presented their awards at the National SBO/SBAP Conference at the Mt. Washington Resort in New Hampshire, March 26-30, 2006.

Nominations may be submitted by individuals, businesses, or SBO/SBAP/CAP programs. Nomination forms are available on line for electronic submittal or, as an alternative, as a downloadable hard copy application to be mailed or faxed. Additional information about the awards program, eligibility, and the nomination forms may be found at: http://www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org/sba/awards_smallbusiness_2006.html.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised December 20, 2005 by Pat Watson