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What is 40 Under 40?
Tucson Business Edge's annual list of 40 emerging leaders who have achieved success in business and our community before turning 40.

Who is eligible?
Anyone under 40, who was not a previous 40 Under 40 winner is eligible. Finalists from the previous year can be nominated again.

What are the qualifications for a 40 Under 40 nominee?
First and foremost, we are looking for professional success that makes the nominee stand apart from his or her peers. We also are interested community involvement and public service, as well as participation in trade groups, professional organizations, etc. And a technical point: all nominees must be no older than 39 on August 31.

Who will choose the 40 Under 40?
Selection of final 40 are facilitated by TBE editors through a panel of independent judges.

How can I nominate someone for 40 Under 40?
For an online nomination form click here. All nominations must be submitted online.

Can I just call you or send you an e-mail with the name of the person I'd like to nominate?
No. We need a completed nomination form, including both your contact information and that of the person you are nominating.

I want to nominate someone, but I would like to remain anonymous.
If you choose, we will not disclose your name as the nominator. However, we still need your contact information should we need more information or clarification.

I want to nominate my boss, but would it be better if someone higher up nominated him? Can I nominate a family member?
You can nominate yourself, a client, a family member, your boss, an employee or an acquaintance. The most important thing is that you state a clear, business-oriented reason for the nomination. It is helpful for the nominator to be an objective position, but no one is disqualified based on who did the nominating.

Does it help if many people nominate the same person?
No. In fact, it sends a negative impression if there is evidence of an organized campaign to send many nominations.

In the nomination form, you ask why the person should be nominated and you have a 400-word limit. That isn't enough for me to tell all the accomplishments of my candidate.
Most of the information we need we can be described in 400 words. If you feel you need to send more info, call 573.4603.

I would like to nominate someone, but they will turn 40 before your publication date. Can I still nominate that person?
No. Nominations for anyone who does not meet the age requirement are discarded. We verify birthdates of finalists.

How does the nomination process work?
Nominations are reviewed to ensure all information is included. Then all nominations that have met our basic requirements are collected and disbursed in packets to our panel of judges. The judges hold a series of meetings to determine who will be chosen, based on a diverse list that represents a broad spectrum of the industries we cover.

Can I contact you during the summer to see how my nominee is doing in the judging process?
No. We don't give status reports.

I want to be picked for 40 Under 40. Will it help to hire a public-relations firm?
It doesn't influence the judging. Some candidates use PR firms or internal corporate communications departments for help with the forms.

I have submitted my nomination form. Since then I have won an award. Can I add that to my form? I have had a change in my job title or employment, can I update my form?
Awards don't figure heavily in the judging, but feel free to let us know about it. On the other hand, it's very important we know about a change in employer or title.

If I am chosen for 40 Under 40, my company's lawyer wants to review the story you write in advance.
We cannot do that.

How will I know if I have been chosen for 40 Under 40? When will I hear from you?
All finalists, approximately 60 people, will be notified by mail or phone call before being announced in July. The final top 40 under 40 will be notified by mail or phone call before being named in our August issue. In addition, these 40 will be invited to our annual breakfast and award ceremony to receive the award.

I was not picked for 40 Under 40. Can you tell me why?
With hundreds of candidates and an independent panel of judges, we won't be able to tell nominees specifically why they weren't chosen.