News Release

Nominations are being accepted for the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Appreciation and Awards Dinner. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Citizen of the Year, Educator of the Year and three Excellence in Business Awards.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 2. Anyone wishing to submit a nomination should fax to (574) 773-4691; mail to 302 W. Market St., Nappanee, IN 46550; e-mail to [email protected]; or hand deliver a short (500 words or less) letter detailing why your nominee should receive which award.

The dinner will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at The Barns at Nappanee, 1600 West Market St.  Registration begins at 5:00 pm. Social time begins at 5:15 pm followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

The Citizen of the Year award will be awarded using the following criteria:

1. Must be civic minded and dedicated to church, club or community service;
2. Have good moral character;
3. Own a business or reside in Nappanee;
4. Have made a significant contribution to Nappanee through his or her work in business, government, service club or volunteer organization;
5. Does not have to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Educator of the Year is based on the following criteria:

1. Dedication to the profession of education;
2. High academic and moral standards for self and community;
3. Motivator of self, colleagues, students and community;
4. Inspired initiator of programs and projects of education;
5. A team builder cooperating with community, educational system and citizens to insure excellence and productivity;
6. Resides or teaches in the WaNee area;
7. Nominations from students are encouraged.

Three Excellence in Business awards are based on the following criteria:

1. Must be a member of the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce;
2. Have significantly impacted the community through growth of their respective business;
3. Have contributed to the community above and beyond most normal expectations;
4. Have partnered with the city, schools or service organizations to help promote a particular project or event for Nappanee ;
5. Have a track record of commitment to Nappanee.