COC seeking nominees for awards gala
The Pierce County Chamber of Commerce is seeking the public’s help to identify the STARS in our community. “These yearly awards are a great way to ackniowledge and recognize our community leaders,” says Chamber director Christi Pitts. “Anyone can be the star of the community. Farmers, a small business owner,a vet or doctor, spiritual leaders— anyone can be a star. This is how current and past leaders of Pierce leave their legacy.”
Awards open to nominees are Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, the Leona Davis Bright Spot Award, the Dr. Katherine Hendry Community Health Award and Business Leader of the Year. The awards themselves are presented during the Chamber’s annual gala celebration.
If you would like to nominate someone for any of the above awards, send a onepage typed nomination to the Pierce County Chamber by mail or email no later than February 24 by 2:00 p.m. An additional document will be sent separately for your vote. Please make sure to include a 2 - 3 paragraph explanation about why the candidate is deserving of the award.
Other awards, such as the Dow Nimmer Award, Huel P. Walker Educator, Small Business of the Year, Years of Service Award, Love Like Lanna and Farmer of the Year are all chosen by outside committees. For those awards open to public nominations, the following criteria should be considered: Citizen of the Year recognizes an individual with outstanding leadership and citizenship within the community, while demonstrating exemplary vision, civic pride and commitment to the betterment of society. The individual should live in the Pierce County area, and/or their activities should be centered in the area. Recognition will be given for leadership and performance in several areas of community service over a span of years. The individual does not have to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce or the business community. An individual from any walk-oflife may be nominated. This is the highest honor given by the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. Pitts says to think of it as the “lifetime achievement award.”
Recipient of Business of the Year should be an individual or business in the Pierce County area that demonstrates leadership accomplishments, including innovation, initiative and civic responsiveness. The recipient must be a business or owner/partner/major-shareholder in the business and active in the day-to-day management and operation of the business. They should also be a member of the Pierce Chamber of Commerce, have significant business achievements, industry awards, public recognition, or other achievements or recommendations. The nominee should exhibit leadership in business and community affairs and be innovative and show creativity in business decisions or in development of specific products or services.
The Leona Dixon Bright Spot Award is presented to the person, business or organization which has left you with a positive impression and emulates the grace, enthusiasm, and love of community demonstrated so faithfully by the first “Bright Spot” award winner – Mrs. Leona Dixon. The recipient’s efforts and good deeds should impact the community in meaningful and significant ways. The award recipient may be from any walk-of-life. Membership in the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce is not a requirement.
The Dr. Katherine Hendry Community Health Award is presented to the person, business, or organization which demonstrates the selfless, innovative, and community-focused work in health care set forth by the late Dr. Katherine Hendry. The recipient’s efforts and actions should impact the overall health of the community in meaningful and significant ways. Membership in the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce is not a requirement.
Business Leader of the Year is presented to a person recognized as an outstanding individual demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication within their industry and community. Integrity, vision and commitment to their business while building a stronger future for Pierce. Additionally, this leader actively engages and promotes economic and social well-being. The candidate should be a member of the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, have significant business achievements, industry awards, public recognition, or other achievements and recommendations. The nominee should exhibit leadership in business and community affairs, be innovative and show creativity in business decisions or in development of specific products or services.
Please explain why your nominee is deserving of the award. and include your contact information with the nomination.
Nominations can be sent by mail to 200 SW Central Ave Blackshear, GA 31516 or emailed to piercechamberofcommerce@ gmail.com Chamber Executive Director Pitts would also like to remind local businesses and chamber members that opportunities to sponsor each award are on a first come, first serve basis. The youth Legacy Leadership Pierce program also welcomes sponsors. “The Legacy Leaderhsip program cultivates the kids in our community to become future award winners.” Please contact Pitts at 912-449-7044 is you would like information about becoming a sponsor.
