Update: Nominations now open!

Call them the "Analogs," the "doggies" or, if you'd like, the "loggies." But, whatever name you fancy, make sure you save the date of our inaugural Silicon Prairie Awards on August 30. The Awards will be held at Omaha's Joslyn Art Museum and will honor a dozen companies and individuals, recognizing outstanding products, strong leadership and noteworthy contributions to the region's startup community.

On Thursday, we will reveal the 12 award categories and begin accepting reader nominations — we need your help to highlight the entrepreneurs, startups, investors, service providers and other community stakeholders who are a part of the rise of the Silicon Prairie. Companies and individuals will be recognized for their performance and contributions between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012.

In July, we'll announce a special keynote speaker, who will share thoughts about building a startup community. Tickets go on sale July 11.

The Awards is shaping up to be the community event of the year, one where the Silicon Prairie community takes center stage. We hope you've circled it on your calendar.

Nominations open Thursday! Sign up to stay in the know.

Sponsor the Silicon Prairie Awards: We're looking for companies that want to get in front of hundreds of entrepreneurs, innovators and startups. If you'd like to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities for the awards, contact Geoff Wood at geoff@siliconprairienews.com.