Nominations are open through April 15 for the 10th annual Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award.

The award celebrates the accomplishments and impact of family-owned businesses on Wisconsin communities.

Since the beginning of the program, 65 family-owned companies have been recognized for their contributions to their communities, their industries, and the economy. More than 200 family-owned companies have been nominated in the previous nine years.

One family business will be chosen for Grand Awards in the categories of small (less than 50 employees), medium (50 to 99 employees), and large (100 or more employees) companies. Special awards will also be given to companies excelling in a particular area.

Self-nominations are encouraged, or nominations can be made on behalf of the company by consultants, vendors, clients or friends.

An independent panel of judges will select the award recipients. The deadline for nominations is April 9. The awards will be presented at a banquet in Madison May 9.

The awards program is sponsored by the Smith & Gesteland CPA firm, First Business Bank, and the Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek law firm.

For more information, call (608) 836-7500 or go to www.familybusinessaward.com.