The deadline has been extended for 2008 Forty Under 40 nominations.

All nominations must be submitted by Sunday, March 30.

If you know someone under the age of 40 who stands as an example of leadership, professional expertise and community involvement, don't delay in submitted a nomination.

The annual awards program is designed to capture the entrepreneurial spirit and dynamism of Ottawa's business community. It balances business achievement and expertise with community involvement.

Forty business leaders under the age of 40 are selected by an independent judging panel assembled by the OBJ. All nominees are judged against a 40-point system – 20 points for business accomplishments, 10 points for professional expertise and 10 points for community and charitable activities.

"What I really enjoy about this awards program is that it recognizes the quality of business leadership across many diverse sectors," says OBJ publisher Michael Curran.

"For example, last year's recipients included a restaurateur, the owner of a fitness equipment retailer, a director of fun, a sommelier and a several enterprising health practitioners, in addition to the white-collar professionals and technology executives one would expect. Also, there's not one winner for this award. We recognize all 40 recipients for their accomplishments and their willingness to give back to the community at large."

Recipients will be announced in late April and celebrated at a gala on June 19 at the Hilton Lac Leamy. The nomination process is designed to be straightforward and succinct.

To download the nomination form, please visit www.fortyunder40.com.

FortyUnder40.com is a website hosted with the assistance of Rogers Business Solutions and Atomic Motion that showcases the program and profiles last year's winners. A nomination form can also be obtained by contacting Sue Perry at 744-4800 ext. 225 or e-mailing sue.perry@transcontinental.ca