Last call for local stars

The North Idaho Business Journal is looking for the best and the brightest business people, with one other caveat: They've gotta be young.

Those 40 and over need not apply.

That qualifier might irk sensitive business souls born before 1974, but life can sometimes be cruel.

As this contest shows, however, it can also be kind.

Now in its fifth year, NIBJ's Top 30 under 40 contest goes way beyond what any of its predecessors managed. A special event on Sept. 18, sponsored by Kootenai Health, will recognize this year's winners as selected by judges Steve Griffitts, Dan Klocko and Eve Knudtsen. Winners will also be featured in the October issue of North Idaho Business Journal.

But before all of that can happen, you've got some work to do. If you haven't nominated a strong young business leader already, you have exactly one week left to do so.

The nomination process is simple. Go to nibusinessjournal.com and, at the top of the page, click on 30 Under 40. Most nominations can be completed in 10 minutes or less. Keep in mind that the more information you provide about the nominee, the better the chances that she or he will be selected.

What are the judges looking for? Klocko, Kootenai Health's vice president for human resources, put it succinctly. "Pace-setters," he said. Other attributes include professionalism, strong character, leadership qualities and contributions to the community.

We're big believers in recognizing excellence, and putting a bright spotlight on today's finest young local business leaders is actually an investment in the future. Some of the winners have already risen to the very top of their field, while others will receive encouragement to continue the climb or boldly take on new challenges.

Ultimately, the goal is a thriving local economy led by business leaders who got a little help along the way. Recognizing the Top 30 under 40 is one step in that direction.