Helpful Hints for Nominees

The following helpful hints were developed from feedback received from previous judges:

• Show the judges your enthusiasm for your family-business in your application. It really makes a difference.
  
  
• Choose the right person in your family or business to complete the application.
  
  
• A typewritten application form is best. Use as much space as needed to complete the application, as additional sheets may be attached.
  
  
• We recommend you provide a response to all questions, even if you are in an early stage or have not yet addressed a particular issue. Some judges have felt that an unanswered question is ambiguous-so if you're still addressing an issue probed in one of the questions, or haven't faced it yet, comment to that effect rather than leave it blank.
  
  
• Download the application form here in Word format. If you download the application form, you may use as much room as you wish to answer questions.
  
  
• You will be contacted for an interview after your application is complete. The interview should take no longer than an hour and you should be approached prior to April 9.
  
  
• Don't forget to submit two or three photos and a sample logo with your application. All applicants will be featured in a video presentation at the awards banquet. In your answers, you may insert information that supports and documents how your firm is mastering any family business concerns. But please understand that the judges only receive the completed application and the interviewer's summary. Brochures and videotapes, and other promotional material might be used in the video presentation, but will not be part of the judging process.
  
  
• The committee will define the criteria of "large or small" business categories based on sales and/or number of employees in the pool of applicants.

If you have any questions concerning the application please call Tom Juenemann, Director, Institute for Family-Owned Business at 780-5935 or e-mail at tomj@fambusiness.org. Mailing address is Abromson Community Education Center, 45 Exeter Street, Portland, ME 04104-9300. Thank you for participating in the annual Maine Family Business of the Year Awards.

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