AUGUSTA – The state Department of Economic and Community Development is accepting nominations for the 2005 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence.

Companies may be nominated or may nominate themselves. Small businesses are encouraged to apply. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Nov. 19. Recipients will be notified early next year. The awards are presented at Colby College’s annual leadership institute forum in March.

For information and nomination forms, call Linda Shaw at 624-9825, or e-mail her at linda.s.shaw@maine.gov.