PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: As 2013 comes to a close, it is time for the chamber to ramp up for my favorite annual event, the Awards Gala. Nominations for the awards listed below can come from a variety of sources: employers, employees, private citizens, business groups, board members, municipal leaders, or legislators. Awardees, selected for honors by the previous year’s winners, will be highlighted during the chamber’s Annual Meeting on Friday, Jan. 17, 2014.

Please look over the award categories below and take the time to nominate an outstanding Mid-coast business or individual.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS — Up to four awards are presented: large, medium, small, and nonprofit/government agency. Awards are based on the following criteria (please provide information on each of the criteria on the nomination form): business growth and improvement, good financial health, quality customer service, staying power, overall excellence in the marketplace, and community contributions.

NEW BUSINESS VENTURE OF THE YEAR AWARD — This award is presented to the owners of a new business startup in the Mid-coast region, or the owners of an “old business made new again.” For award nominee purposes, the definition of a “new” business is any business that began or came under new ownership since Jan. 1, 2012. Criteria for the award are demonstrated business growth, quality customer service, and community contributions.

BUSINESS HEALTH & WELLNESS AWARD — This award highlights a chamber business that has gone above and beyond normal employer expectations in the areas of employee health and wellness. Nominations should include descriptions of programs that have been implemented or established, employee incentives to cut wellness risks, and above all, positive results of the said initiative. Organizations running wellness programs are also eligible for this award.

REGIONAL ARTS & CULTURE AWARD — This award recognizes the organization or business that has worked to recognize the unique artistic and cultural characteristics of the Mid-coast region. Nominee can be individuals or organizations. Nominations should include a background of the person or organizations specific accomplishments and how this has helped the region market itself and a cultural and artistic center.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD — This award recognizes an up and coming young chamber business professional under the age of 40, either business owner or employee. Nominations should include the person’s position, what makes them good at it, and how they have used their skills and abilities to make the Mid-coast region a better place to live, play, and work.

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD — This award recognizes an individual, school, district, RSU, SAD, or institution that has made a positive, measurable impact on students (children or adult) and surrounding Mid-coast communities. Nominations will include how a particular teacher/professor has impacted the nominee or how an organization has impacted its alumni and the communities around their institution.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD — Initiated in 1958, this award recognizes an individual who, through his or her unselfish commitment to the community, embodies the best characteristics of community citizenship and serves as an example to all. This award can be given for a single, prestigious accomplishment, but is more typically given for sustained service over an extended period of time. Please provide examples of organizations and positions the nominee has held, achievements and other awards and letters of recommendation on the nomination form.

HARRY C. CROOKER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD — Initiated in 2004, this award recognizes an individual for a lifetime of consistent community contributions that reach beyond their hometown. Their actions, achievements and contributions evoke admiration and respect. The nominee should have an exemplary community service record in one or more of the towns and their influence and contributions will have made a tangible impact on the lives of those around them, their communities, and their place of business. This award is not typically given for a single event, rather a sustained period of achievement to community. This award is our most prestigious award and the highlight of the evening. Awardees will be selected by a panel of past recipients. Please provide comprehensive list of accomplishments, as well as prior community awards.

Nominations will be accepted online at www.midcoastmaine.com/nomination until 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. We will announce our new honorees via press release the following week.

Again, please take the time to nominate a deserving business or individual.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Tonight is the Joshua Chamberlain Award presentation and Veterans Gala at the Bath Golf Club from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is $25 and there will be delicious refreshments and a cash bar. Peter Feeney of Bowdoinham has been selected as the 42nd recipient of the chamber’s prestigious Joshua Chamberlain Award. This award, established in 1976, is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions toward the development and maintenance of the best possible relations between the military and civilian communities.

Feeney, a Merchant Marine, is specifically being recognized for his work with the Long Branch School and Veterans Workshop in Bowdoinham. The guest speaker for the Veterans Award Gala is Capt. Robert Crowe, U.S. Navy.

November’s Chamber After Hours is Wednesday, Nov. 20, 5 to 7 p.m. The best in the region for networking, it is hosted by La Bella Day Spa & Hair Salon and Simply Susie’s Catering at 16 Monument Place, Topsham. The event is free and chamber members and their employees are all welcome.

Please go to the chamber’s website (www.midcoastmaine.com), scrolling the calendar for more information and to register for all of these events. For some the seating is limited. Don’t miss out.

The chamber proudly serves 760 businesses and organizations in the following communities: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich.