It's that time of year when the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce recognizes and acknowledges the contributions of citizens, businesses and organizations and their impact on the community.

Last year, Brad Kirkconnell (above left, with Rob Liddle) was named the Bruce Power Citizen of the Year.

You can nominate a deserving candidate by going to Kincardinechamber.com or www.facebook.com/Kincardine-Chamber or dropping by the office at 777 Queen Street, Kincardine, and picking up a form.

Fill it out and submit either on-line at Kincardine.cofc@bmts.com or in person. If you need assistance filling out the form, executive director Terry-Ann Smith can help you. To view a copy of the form and list of awards, click here. The deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 4 p.m.

For more information, contact the chamber at 519-396-9333.

Community achievement awards will be presented in the following categories:
 

• Enbridge Quality of Life Award - presented to an individual, business or not-for- profit organization for outstanding contribution to the quality of life of a person, group or organization in our community.
• RBC Golden Apple Award - recognizes high standards of professionalism, leadership and innovation in teaching - commitment to student learning, assessment and use of tools to advance student progress and efforts to stimulate student interest in learning.
• OPG Environmental Award - presented to a business, organization or individual who is guided by a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment, which manifests itself through initiatives designed to preserve, conserve or improve the local environment.
• Meridian Good Neighbour Award - presented to a business or service group that has made contributions of outstanding significance to the community.
• Bruce Telecom Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award - presented to an individual under the age of 35 who owns a business, has shown excellent leadership qualities, innovation in business skills, proactive employee and customer relations and community leadership.
• Miller Insurance Farm Business/Farm-Related Business of the Year Award - presented to a farm business or farm-related business which has demonstrated growth, sales, leadership, and has an active involvement in the community.
• Community Living of Kincardine and District Inclusion Award - presented to a business, an individual or organization that recognizes that individuals can contribute to, and fully participate in, their community, while motivating and inspiring others to embrace the inclusion of all people in the community.
• BDO Customer Service Excellence Award - presented to a business that has shown extraordinary commitment to customer service and care.
• Municipality of Kincardine New Business Award - presented to a new business (operating for two to five years) that has demonstrated innovations, vision and business growth.
• Superheat Business Person of the Year - presented to an individual in an executive position who exemplifies excellent leadership qualities, innovative business skills, proactive employee and customer relations, and community leadership.
• myFM’s Business of the Year Award - presented to a business that exhibits excellence in business growth, customer service and community leadership.
• Bruce Power Citizen of the Year Award - presented to the person who has demonstrated strong citizenship with outstanding contributions to the community in the past year.
• Jacques Law Youth Programming Excellence Award - presented to a local group or person (team, coach, club, team manager, group leader, initiative, etc.) in the community that has made an exceptional contribution to children and youth development.
   

Nominees need not be members of the chamber. The onus is on the nominator/nominee to ensure that all patents/copyrights are protected. A business may nominate itself.

A gala will be held in the spring, at which the awards will be presented.