University of Marylands Robert H. Smith School of Business School Seeks Nominations for 2008 Leadership and Excellence Awards

College Park, Md. September 20, 2007 The University of Marylands Robert H. Smith School of Business is seeking nominations for the schools 2008 Smith Leadership and Excellence Awards. The annual awards pay tribute to business leaders and organizations that have made a significant and positive impact in the mid-Atlantic region. They will be presented in four categories: Business Excellence, Leadership Excellence, Leaders for the Digital Economy and Public Excellence.

  The Business Excellence Award recognizes a public or private business that has made a significant and positive impact in the mid-Atlantic region. Nominees must have been established for a minimum of 20 years and will be judged on a variety of characteristics including industry leadership, profitability, customer satisfaction, corporate citizenship and commitment to the mid-Atlantic region.

  The Leadership Excellence Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant and positive impact on his or her industry, as well as the mid-Atlantic region. Nominations will be judged on criteria including leadership in the individuals profession, effectiveness and efficiency of management, customer orientation, and commitment to the mid-Atlantic region.

  The Leaders for the Digital Economy Award recognizes a business or individual that has successfully demonstrated what it means to be a Leader for the Digital Economy, an organization or person that has harnessed the power of information technology to transform business. Areas that are evaluated include electronic commerce, service marketing, business telecommunications, financial engineering and management of technology.

  The Public Excellence Award recognizes an individual who works with community members to promote social responsibility in governance, business and community life.

The entries will be judged by a panel that includes members of the Smith School Board of Visitors, Deans Advisory Council, faculty and staff. The award winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in May 2008.