A celebratory gala is set for Thursday, April 23
The Pierce County Chamber of Commerce is seeking help to identify the brightest stars in our community.
Each year, the chamber and its partners recognize Pierce citizens in several different areas of excellence. Winners are announced at a special press conference and then celebrated at the chamber’s annual gala event where they will be presented with their award.
This year’s gala will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23. The location is to be announced.
Executive Director of the Pierce Chamber of Commerce Christi Pitts is hopeful that this year will see an increase in the number and variety of nominations.
“In the past, this has fallen short. I need more nominations this year,” said Pitts. “We need more nominations to choose from this year. I need sponsorships too, but what I want to highlight are all the wonderful people in our community.”
Pitts advises community members, if they want to nominate someone for the awards listed here, to send a one-page typed nomination to the Pierce County Chamber by mail or email no later than 2 p.m. February 20. Please include a 2-3 paragraph explanation why your nominee is deserving of the award and include your contact information with the nomination.
Nominations can be mailed to 200 SW Central Ave Blackshear, GA 31516 or emailed to [email protected].
For more information, please contact Executive Director Christi Pitts at 912-449-7044.
Community Awards Citizen of the Year: The Citizen of the Year award recognizes an individual with outstanding leadership and citizenship in 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 his/her 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 Pierce County Chamber of Commerce or the business community. An individual from any walk-of-life may be nominated. This is the highest honor given by the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. Think “lifetime achievement award.”
Business of the
Year: The Business of the Year recipient is an individual or business in the Pierce County area who demonstrates leadership accomplishments including innovation, initiative, and civic responsiveness. The recipient must be a business or owner, partner or major-shareholder in the business and be active in the day-to-day management and operation of the business. The individual should be a member of the Pierce County 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.
Bright Spot Award: 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—the late 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.
Community Health Award: 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: The Business Leader of the Year is presented to the person who is recognized as an outstanding individual who demonstrates 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 individual should be a member of the Pierce County 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.
Other Awards
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.
