The McLean, Va.-based Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA), along with its Women’s Alliance Network (WAN), announced the application period for the biennial Red Circle Awards is now open for submissions. By way of the Red Circle Honors Program, the Women’s Alliance recognizes women from the food and beverage industry in a variety of categories for their achievements, in addition to one FPSA company for its efforts in promoting workplace gender balance, FPSA said.

According to FPSA, the awards fall into the following categories:

• Rising Star — Awarded to a woman with less than five years’ experience who has made a significant impact with her professional achievements and personal influence in the food and beverage industry.
• Innovation and Inspiration — Recognizes a woman who has introduced game-changing innovations or inspiring ideas to company within the past 18 months, including new products, technology, programs, systems or processes.
• Career Excellence — The Career Excellence Red Circle honor is presented to a woman who is dedicated to the food and beverage industry and has taken a proactive approach not only to her personal and professional development but also to the development of other women in the industry.
• Achievement in Developing and Promoting Women — The Achievement in Developing and Promoting Women recognizes an FPSA member company that actively supports and develops the careers of women in their employ and works toward gender balance.

The deadline for Red Circle Honor submissions is Aug. 15; nominations may be submitted on the FPSA website (https://www.fpsa.org/wan-redcirclehonors/) via the links to each category of the program. Winners of the prestigious Red Circle Honors Program will be announced at the Women’s Alliance Breakfast on Nov. 4, FPSA said.