Aberdeen, SD - On February 14, 2012 the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce and its sponsors Absolutely! Aberdeen, the Aberdeen Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Aberdeen Development Corporation, will recognize Community Leaders at the 7th Annual Community Champions Awards Luncheon. At the event, community organizations proudly recognize the recipients of 8 prestigious awards which include:
· WOMAN OF SPIRIT (formerly Athena)
· WOMAN OF SPIRIT (formerly Athena)
· GEORGE
· STAR
· EMERGING LEADER
· ABERDEEN AREA FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
· SPOTLIGHT AWARD
· HOMETOWN HERO
· ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Each of these awards, and their criteria is described below. Nominations must be received by January 20, 2012. To nominate someone for any of the awards listed below call the Chamber office at (605) 225-2860 or email: info@aberdeen-chamber.com.
The Woman of Spirit Award. The award, co-sponsored by the Chamber and Steven Lust Automotive, replaced the ATHENA Award, but like the Athena is presented to a woman who exemplifies the following characteristics: Wise, Organized, Mentor to others, Achiever, Nurturing and is Selfless, Purposeful, Inspirational, Respectful, (has) Integrity, and is a Team player
The GEORGE Award. This award is presented by the Chamber to an individual(s) who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the community in trying to make Aberdeen a better place to live and work. A George Award recipient has stepped up and taken the initiative, rather than "just letting George do it”.
The STAR Award. STAR stands for Students Taking Active Responsibility. The Award is presented by the Chamber and the Volunteer Service Clearinghouse to a Youth Organization for their Dedicated Efforts in the Community.
The Emerging Leader Award is presented to an individual who is in the first years of their career and has demonstrated leadership qualities within their businesses and community. The Emerging Leader Award was created in 2009 to foster young leadership and enhance youth retention in our community. Candidates will be evaluated on whether they have active participation in associations, organizations, volunteer boards, etc; are recognized by managers and peers for demonstrating leadership skills and standards in the workplace; and have an enthusiastic commitment to promoting and growing with the community, region and state.
The Aberdeen Area Family Business of the Year Award. This award is co-sponsored by The South Dakota Family Business Initiative, CorTrust Bank, and the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce. Started in 2004, the award recognizes the accomplishments of a family business and its contributions to the community of Aberdeen and the surrounding region. Criteria includes that at least 2 family members work in the business, and/or multi-generational; positive contributions of the business to the welfare of the community; Success of the business; and an assessment of the health and unity of the family. To nominate a business for this award, contact the Chamber at 225-2860 or email: lburcham@usd.edu for an application.
The Hometown Hero Award. The award is presented by the Aberdeen Convention and Visitors Bureau to honor those special individuals or institutions who contribute to our community by going the extra mile to bring their group's meetings, conventions, or events to Aberdeen. Because of the dedication of these wonderful individuals that go above and beyond the call, our community benefits. To nominate someone for this award, please contact the Aberdeen CVB at (605) 225-2414 or info@aberdeencvb.com
The Spotlight Award. The award is presented by the Aberdeen Convention and Visitors Bureau to honor a special individual who “shines the light” on our community and region by bringing national recognition and attention to our area. To nominate someone for this award, please contact the Aberdeen CVB at (605) 225-2414 or info@aberdeencvb.com
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Absolutely! Aberdeen says “Absolutely” to Entrepreneurship! In the spirit of building on Aberdeen’s rich culture of entrepreneurship, Absolutely! Aberdeen began the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2008. Any nominations or questions can be submitted to Julie M. Johnson at juliem.johnson@absolutelyaberdeen.com, or 605-725-5070.

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