Do you know of a corporation or business that helps its community in some way, such as by donating money or supplies, or providing volunteer help? Help give that company some much-deserved recognition by nominating it for Washington’s highest civics award.

The Office of Secretary of State is accepting nominations for a 2016 Corporations for Communities Award. The deadline to nominate a company is Aug. 31. Nomination forms can be found here.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman says the CFC program allows the public to recognize deserving businesses that help their communities:

“Washington is blessed to have many companies that make a difference by giving back in various ways. Corporations for Communities offers people a chance to nominate companies that contribute, so I encourage the public to take a moment to make a nomination.”

Wyman will choose at least one large and one small company from among the nominations. (Companies with more than 100 employees are considered a large company, while those with 100 or fewer employees are considered a small.) Her selections will receive a National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion, the highest civics honor that the state awards. Winners for this year’s award will be announced in late September, and the awards ceremony will take place later in the fall in Wyman’s office.

Anyone is able to nominate businesses for the Corporations for Communities Award. Any sized for-profit corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or limited partnership is eligible for the award. Nominees need to be registered with the Office of Secretary of State and must be in compliance with state and federal laws.

The Corporations for Communities program began in 2009 as a way to recognize exceptional Washington businesses that demonstrate a commitment to giving in order to improve local or regional social and environmental conditions. The award program is run by the Corporations & Charities Division, which is part of the Office of Secretary of State.

For more information about the Corporations for Communities program, contact program coordinator Patrick Reed at (360) 725-0358 or [email protected].