By Khalida Sarwari
Exemplary citizens and business leaders abound in Saratoga, and now the city’s Chamber of Commerce wants to give those folks the accolades they are due and a chance to bask in the limelight.
The Chamber is asking people to nominate one citizen and one business person of the year for recognition. The only catch is that the nominations must be submitted to the Chamber by Feb. 12.
The selection committee, made up of Chamber board members and local business representatives, will take a few weeks to consider their choices before announcing the winners at the State of the City address on Feb. 27 at the Saratoga Civic Theater.
So what qualities are judges looking for? For starters, they’re seeking candidates who have made a difference in the community–in other words, those who tend to go the extra mile and inspire others to do the same. Moreover, the Chamber is hoping to find people who are involved in causes, display community spirit and serve for the sake of serving.
Citizen of the year candidates must reside in Saratoga and be active in the community, either through civic organizations, city or county boards or commissions, schools, neighborhood groups, churches or business activities. In addition, they should be active in bridging the city’s cultural diversity.
Similarly, the business person of the year must be a current member of the Saratoga Chamber and be the owner of a business that’s been in operation for at least two years in Saratoga and is an asset to the city.
Saratoga isn’t the only city that recognizes its model citizens and business leaders; recognition of such people is a tradition that many communities take part in every year. They do so to publicly honor people who contribute to the betterment and success of their communities so that it might encourage others to follow their lead.
That said, the city boasts a rich history of volunteerism. Previous citizens of the year include Nancy Anderson, Les Landin, Marlene Duffin, Mary Jeanne Fenn, Warren Lampshire and Marilyn White, while past business person of the year winners include Chris Oakes, Ray Froess, Judy Coulter and Pearl Medeiros.
Any individual or organization can nominate a candidate. Nomination forms can be picked up from the Chamber office at 14460 Big Basin Way.
For more information, call 408.867.0753 or email info@saratogachamber.org.
Link: Saratoga sends out call for citizen, biz person of the year nominations
