Gilroy
– Outstanding business volunteers, businesses and residents of
Gilroy, listen up.
The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce is presenting its annual round of
awards to individuals and businesses in Gilroy. Nominations are
open until Oct. 29.
Gilroy – Outstanding business volunteers, businesses and residents of Gilroy, listen up.
The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce is presenting its annual round of awards to individuals and businesses in Gilroy. Nominations are open until Oct. 29.
“We really look to the community to bring to our attention the many outstanding individuals and businesses in our community who have contributed for so many years, but who we might not be aware of,” said Susan Valenta, the chamber’s executive director. “A lot of folks out there are silent heroes and heroines.”
The Firman B. Voorhies Volunteer of the Year award is open to any chamber volunteer who has contributed extra efforts to support Gilroy businesses, Valenta said. Any chamber member may nominate a chamber volunteer for this award. This is the only award designed specifically to recognize a chamber member.
The business of the year award is open to any business that has made a significant contribution to the community by enhancing Gilroy’s business atmosphere and encouraging other businesses to be role models in the community, Valenta said.
The category is subdivided into small business of the year, 25 or fewer full- or part-time employees, and large business of the year, more than 25 full- or part-time employees. Businesses must have been operating for at least one year in Gilroy.
Criteria for the business of the year award are management skills, innovation, personal commitment, community involvement and support and contribution to the entrepreneurial spirit of Gilroy, Valenta said. Self-nominations are encouraged as are nominations from individuals who work for a Gilroy business.
The man and woman of the year awards are open to individuals who have provided non-paid service to the community. Nominees must live within the Gilroy Unified School District.
The Gilroy Economic Development Corp. also is accepting nominations for the Gilroy EDC Educator of the Year award.
Award recipients will long be remembered for contributing to the success of the Gilroy community, Valenta said.
“We want to acknowledge those individuals in businesses who have contributed on an ongoing basis in making Gilroy what it is today,” Valenta said. “They help serve as a legacy for Gilroy as we progress.”
The dinner and awards ceremony will take place Feb. 5 at the San Juan Oaks Golf Club in Hollister. Valenta said the annual event attracts about 300 people each year. Details about ticket information will be available soon.
Nomination forms may be picked up at and returned to the chamber’s office at 7471 Monterey St. Forms also may be faxed to 842-6010. For more information, call the chamber at 842-6437.
