BizTimes Milwaukee calls for entries for Bravo! and IQ award programs

BizTimes Milwaukee is seeking nominations for its 2009 Bravo! Entrepreneur and IQ (Innovation Quotient) awards, which salute company leaders that demonstrate the best traits of entrepreneurship, or are creating innovative products, services or processes in business.
Winners from each award programs will be honored at the fifth annual BizTech Expo Conference & Expo at the Wisconsin State Fair Park from April 29-30.
To be considered for the Bravo! Award, the entrepreneur must be part of a closely-held company that has been in business for a minimum of one year and has a minimum of $1.5 million in annual sales.
Other criteria for the Bravo! Entrepreneur Awards includes:
* Entrepreneur must be the founder of the business, or have been critical to its growth.
* Company must be based in, or have been founded in, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Sheboygan, Racine, Kenosha or Walworth counties.
* Company must show vision, risk and creativity.
* Company must be profitable.
* Entrepreneur should contribute to the community through charitable or leadership roles.
* Entrepreneur should demonstrate strong corporate culture.
* Company should have demonstrated significant growth and long-term potential.
* Committee may honor a separate individual, in addition to the founder, if deemed appropriate.
For the IQ Award, judges will choose the most innovative, clever and unique products, services or processes among the companies nominated. Self-nominations are encouraged.
The nominated companies must be based in Wisconsin and have a physical presence in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Sheboygan, Racine, Walworth or Kenosha County.
The winners of both Bravo! and IQ will be honored at an awards luncheon at the fifth annual BizTech Conference & Expo to be held at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
To nominate a company leader for the Bravo! Entrepreneur Awards and view videos from last year’s luncheon, visit www.biztimes.com/bravo.
To nominate a company for the 2009 IQ Awards and view videos of the 2008 awards program, visit www.biztimes.com/iq.