Here is the process: The McGraw-Hill Construction Regional Publications are accepting nominations for the Top 20 industry leaders, or future leaders, who will be under the age of 40 as of Oct. 29.

The Top 20 Under 40 asks you, as A/E/C industry representatives, to tell us who best represents the most promising, outstanding and most likely to succeed in their respective fields. We are taking nominations for these individuals in architecture, engineering and construction who work in Texas as well as Oklahoma.

As the editor-in-chief of Texas Construction, I want to encourage all to take the time to nominate someone. The form is easy to access and requires careful consideration, certainly, but should not prove overly time-consuming. These individuals are our future, folks. Let's show them off!

What makes an individual a Top 20? Any number of reasons: contribution to major projects; innovation in process or leadership; achievement of or toward industry-related certifications; and so on.

If you've worked with one or more such individuals, or they work for you, even if you only know of them through the grapevine, we ask that you start by filling out our nomination form and let us know who they are. All submissions will be reviewed by a independent panel of industry experts who will, ultimately, select the Top 20.

Mark your calendars and round up your brightest and best young professional achievers. October 29 is the deadline to submit your nominees. The winners will be featured in an early 2011 issue of Texas Construction magazine.