AUGUSTA – In preparation for the upcoming 25th Annual Maine International Trade Day, the Maine International Trade Center is now accepting nominations for the following 2005 international trade awards:

Exporter of the year, awarded to a manufacturer that has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to international trade through increased exports and participation in international programs; service provider of the year, awarded to a service provider that has either established an international presence for their services or provided significant service/support to Maine’s internationally active businesses; and international innovator of the year, awarded to a company or organization in Maine that has been able to access international markets through new and innovative processes or products; and foreign investor of the year, awarded to recognize foreign-owned companies in Maine that have made a strategic decision to invest in Maine by either opening a plant or expanding existing operations.

While anyone is welcome to make nominations in all categories, nominees must be current MITC members as of Feb. 28 in order to be eligible.

Nominations should include the company or organization’s name; the primary contact person’s name, telephone number, and e-mail address; and a brief description of what this nominee has accomplished during the last year that caused it to be nominated for the award.

All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on March 4. Nominations may be sent to Janine B. Cary via fax at 207-541-7420 or by e-mail to [email protected].