Applications are now available to nominate individuals, organizations and projects that have made outstanding contributions to preserving Oregon’s heritage for an Oregon Heritage Excellence Award. Nominations are encouraged for exceptional and commendable work with special consideration given to the development of new ideas, approaches and innovations in heritage-related activities. The awards are intended to draw public attention to important heritage efforts in Oregon and to raise the quality of heritage-oriented activities. The deadline for nominations is January 16. Award information and the nomination application is available online at www.oregonheritage.org or by contacting Mike Gushard at (503) 986-0671 or mike.gushard@oregon.gov The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards will be presented in the spring at the 2015 Oregon Heritage Conference in Coos Bay. For more information about the awards, and to view a list of past award recipients, visit www.oregon.gov/OPRD/HCD/OHC/award_info.shtml.