Nominations sought for 2007 Oregon Heritage Excellence AwardsAn awards program to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations for outstanding efforts on behalf of Oregon heritage has been announced. The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards will recognize the exceptional and meritorious work by organizations, businesses or individuals, according to George Kramer, chair of the Oregon Heritage Commission, which initiated efforts to create the awards program. "The Heritage Excellence Awards will draw public attention to the important heritage efforts in our state, acknowledge the work of Oregon's outstanding heritage organizations, and raise the quality of heritage-oriented activities," Kramer said. The first awards will be given May 4 during the Oregon Heritage Conference in Pendleton. The Heritage Programs Division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, which houses the Oregon Heritage Commission, the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office and the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, will present the awards. Nominations are encouraged for organizations and project of all sizes and heritage and preservation purposes. Volunteers and professionals from all heritage and historic preservation sectors may also be nominated. Nominations are due March 6. The awards will honor people, businesses and organizations which have made the most of available resources and skills. To obtain more information and a nomination form, go to http://egov.oregon.gov/OPRD/HCD/OHC/docs/awardsform2007.pdf |