Enterprise Florida seeks nominees

Enterprise Florida, the state's economic development agency, is seeking nominations for the 2011 Governor's Business Diversification Awards. The program honors firms in the state's targeted industries for economic growth and diversification, and for exceptional contributions toward enhancing the state's economy.

The state encourages 13 targeted industries ranging from aviation/aerospace to financial/professional services to life sciences and manufacturing.

A total of 18 awards are given in six business categories across three market sizes. Last year's winners included IT Authorities, a Hillsborough County-based company. The firm won the “Entrepreneurship” category in the Mega Market category (county's with populations of 800,001 and higher). Awards are also given in the Mid Market category (county population up to 150,000), and Major Market (150,001 to 800,000).

The other five categories are: business expansion, export excellence, innovation, newcomer and green-to-gold. Gov. Rick Scott will present the awards during Industry Appreciation Week, the third week of September.

Nominations, including self-nominations and nominations by local economic development organizations, are due by 5 p.m. June 24. Applications are available online at www.eflorida.com/govawards. For more information, contact Luis Perez-Codina, Enterprise Florida's external affairs program manager, at 850- 298-6638.