Call for Nominations: Puget Sound Business Journal Kicks Off Seventh Annual 40 Under 40 Search.

SEATTLE -- Puget Sound Business Journal announced today a call for nominations for its seventh annual 40 Under 40 award program, which spotlights the next generation of business leaders -- individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit, who are under the age of 40, and who have made a difference in the Puget Sound region through their business and community involvement. Starting today, award applications are available online at www.40under40seattle.com and due to the Puget Sound Business Journal by Tuesday, July 5.

Judges evaluate nominees based on a variety of factors including number of years in business, company revenues, business philosophy, and how they handled their most difficult business decision. In the end, those who stand out as winners consistently go the extra mile both professionally and personally. Past winners include:

--Ian Morris, CEO, HouseValues, Inc. (2004)

--Christine Chen, anchor, KCPQ-TV/KTWB-TV (2004)

--Lindsay Schwartz, president, Schwartz Brothers Restaurant (2003)

--Doris Quan, partner, Martini Design. (2003)

--Richard Tait, co-founder, Cranium (2002)

--Mark Vadon, president, Blue Nile (2002)

--Inez Gray, owner, Habitude Salon and Day Spa (2001)

--Matt Loso, owner, Matthews Cellars (2000)

--Bill Pollard, partner, Pacific Real Estate Partners (1999)

Over the past six years, winners have displayed an affinity for:

--Having an entrepreneurial spirit at a very early age. Some consider the Tooth Fairy their first benefactor. Some set up corner lemonade stands and some bought and resold candy at a profit in their grade schools. Nearly half spent their teens learning the art of sales.

--Demonstrating great devotion to their family. They list their parents, grandparents and partners among their heroes. They forego happy hour to coach Little League.

--Recognizing the need to be socially responsible citizens. Each has found a way to give back to the community -- not just through industry organizations, but also through social outreach programs, education, and the arts.

Honorees are selected by a prominent judging committee, including Darlene Corkrum, Virginia Mason Medical Center; Neil McReynolds, McReynolds Associates; Deborah Swets, CityClub; George Northcroft, Office of King County Executive Ron Sims; and past 40 Under 40 honorees: Dayna Grubb, PED shoe store; Jonathan Hunt, Lowell Hunt Catering; Anna Liotta, Resultance; and James Williams, Perkins Coie.

Puget Sound Business Journal will profile the selected individuals in its 40 Under 40 publication on Sept. 9, 2005. Honorees will receive their awards at an exclusive VIP ceremony at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle on Wednesday, Sept. 14. The program is presented by Puget Sound Business Journal and co-sponsored by Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Stoel Rives law firm, U.S. Bank, and Merit Financial.