CENTENNIAL BIZ

In a city as old as Springfield, there are bound to be a few businesses getting up there in years. We even have a few businesses and nonprofits nearing or past their 100th year. The Illinois State Historical Society is seeking businesses and nonprofits to honor with its annual Centennial Award, given each year since 1984 to groups attaining 100 years of age. One such group already honored is the Abraham Lincoln Association, based in Springfield since its inception in 1908. All Illinois for-profit and not-for-profit businesses operating continuously in Illinois since Dec. 31, 1911, are eligible for the 2011 award, and for the first time this year, ISHS will also consider cities and other municipal governments. The deadline for entry is July 26, with a $50 fee for registration. Honorees will be notified by Aug. 15 and will be invited to a private reception at the Illinois Executive Mansion on Sept. 24. For more information about the Centennial Awards or to obtain an application, call 217-525-2781 or visit www.historyillinois.org.