STATELINE (WIFR) -- The Stateline World Trade Association is pleased to announce the opening of the nomination period for its two annual awards: the SLWTA International Trade Award and the SLWTA Lenk Global Trade Service Award. The International Trade Award is awarded each year to two companies in the Stateline region, one from Illinois and one from Wisconsin, which have used exporting and/or importing to their advantage, or have otherwise been active in the expansion of their operations outside the U.S. The Lenk Global Trade Service Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the growth of global trade here in the Stateline. Nominations will be accepted through March 15, 2013. If you work for, or know of, a worthy potential recipient, please take a moment to nominate the company.

The awards will be presented at the SLWTA's Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at the Butterfly Club in Beloit, WI. The awards program will include presentations from the winning companies about their international activities. The Awards Dinner is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. For reservations, please contact the SLWTA by phone at 608-466-6131 or by e-mail at info@slwta.org.

For nomination forms or more information about either award, please visit the SLWTA’s website at www.slwta.org or e-mail questions to info@slwta.org. Nominations may be submitted directly to the SLWTA Awards Committee, c/o M. Delany, 1212 Harlem Blvd., Rockford, IL, 61103, or e-mailed to info@slwta.org.