Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell Wednesday opened the nomination period for the annual Governor’s North Star Awards for International Excellence. The awards honor businesses and organizations that contribute significantly to Alaska through trade, international investment or international relations.

“Alaskan exporters know how to compete worldwide,” Governor Parnell said. “Alaska is a better place when we are connected to markets and people around the world.”

Alaskan businesses, schools, and other organizations active in international arenas may nominate others or themselves in one or more categories: export of goods, export of services, foreign investment, education, the travel industry, transportation, cultural exchange, humanitarian exchange or scientific exchange.

Awards are given in several categories in any given year but are not necessarily given in all categories each year. The Export Council of Alaska and others assist the State of Alaska in reviewing nominations.

The companies and organizations honored in past years include:

2013 – Icy Strait/Taku Smokeries, Dowland Bach, ITC Communications, Japan Relief Fund of Alaska Foundation, UAA Department of Languages, and Visit Anchorage.

2012 – Holland America Line, RIM Architects, and Helping Hands for Nepal.

2011 – Teck Resources Limited, Hai Shirokuma Tours, Turnagain Elementary School Russian Immersion Program, Affinity Films, and PolyEarth Construction International.

2010 – Seafood Producers’ Cooperative, Coastal Villages, All Alaska Tours, China Airlines, Institute of the North, and Alaska Sudan Medical Project.

Nominations are due by September 5. The Governor’s North Star Awards for International Excellence nomination form and instructions are available at www.trade.alaska.gov.

For more information contact Patricia Eckert at (907) 269-8118.

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