The St. Croix Chamber of Commerce is soliciting nominations of local businesses, organizations and business professionals who have made positive contributions to benefit the business environment and St. Croix’s economy and community for recognition at the 2009 Business and Professional Excellence Awards Gala on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

•Business of the Year

•Small Business of the Year (10 or less employers)

•New Business of the Year (A business that opened sometime after January 1, 2008)

•Professional Business Man of the Year (A business person who is not necessarily the owner or officer of a local business)

•Professional Business Woman of the Year (A business person who is not necessarily the owner or officer of a local business).

•Non-Profit Organization of the Year

•Lifetime Achievement Award

Nominations may be submitted by businesses and individuals on behalf of themselves or other businesses, organizations or individuals. Nominees must be bona-fide, current members of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce. Criteria for nominations should include:

•Proof of active, positive involvement in the community

•Demonstrated leadership with employees, clients and within its specific industry

•Delivery of high-quality customer service, products and services

•Creating and sustaining employment opportunities

Nominations shall consist of no more than two, typewritten pages or two computer document screens and may be submitted in writing or by email no later than October 2, 2009 to: St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, 2008 Awards Committee, 3009 Orange Grove, Suite 12, Christiansted, VI 00820 or via email to: info@stxchamber.org.

All nominees and awardees will be recognized and honored at the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce 2008 Business and Professional Excellence Awards Gala on Saturday, October 17, 2009. For additional information about whether a particular business, organization of individual is eligible for nomination or about the 2009 Business and Professional Excellence Awards, please contact the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce at 773-1435 or email: info@stxchamber.org.