The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce is now seeking nominations for their 25^th Annual Business & Community Awards. The awards are given each year in order to recognize individuals and businesses, which help to promote and support the Greater Hazleton Area.

Nominations are being accepted for: Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Pride of Place, Charitable Organization of the Year, Healthy Workplace of the Year, and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

A business or individual may be nominated for an award or they can nominate themselves. Once the nomination is received by the Chamber, the nominee will be notified and asked to complete an official application. The applications are reviewed and scored by a volunteer committee, and all winners will be recognized at a special luncheon program, to be held on Thursday, October 29th, at 11:45 a.m. at Sand Springs Country Club in Drums.

The Small Business of the Year Award is to show appreciation and recognition to a small business in the Greater Hazleton Area and promote the importance of small businesses to the economy and welfare of the entire community. Eligible applicants include any Chamber member business that has no more than 50 full-time employees and is located in the Greater Hazleton Area. Judging will be based on staying power, growth, community contribution, and overall management philosophy.

The Large Business of the Year Award is to show appreciation and recognition to large businesses in the Greater Hazleton Area and promote the importance of large businesses to the economy and welfare of the community. Eligible applicants include any Chamber member business that has more than 50 full-time employees and is located in the Greater Hazleton Area. Judging will be based on staying power, growth, community contribution, and overall management philosophy.

The Volunteer of the Year Award, which is in memory of Rocco Colangelo Sr. & Jr., is is to extend appreciation to and honor an individual volunteer within the Greater Hazleton Area and to promote the importance of volunteerism to the community at large. Eligible applicants include any individual of the Greater Hazleton Area that participates in volunteer work or community service not required by their place of employment.

The Pride of Place Award is to recognize a local business or organization whose exterior property physically improves or enhances the community and environment in the Greater Hazleton Area. Eligible applicants include any Chamber member business that is located in the Greater Hazleton Area, and the structure must be a commercial or public building.

The Healthy Workplace Award Eligible applicants include any Chamber member business located in the Greater Hazleton Area. Judging will be based on strength and creativity of their workplace wellness initiatives.

The Charitable Organization of the Year Award is to recognize any Chamber member nonprofit organization within the Greater Hazleton Area who have improved the welfare of the community. Judging will be based on strength and creativity of their nonprofit organization.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is sponsored by CAN BE. The purpose of this award is to promote the development of future business owners and operators. Eligible applicants include any entrepreneur between the ages of 13 and 35 who resides in Greater Hazleton.

In addition, the Chamber’s women’s networking committee, with a financial contribution from PPL and Meadow Container, will once again recognize the recipients of their Women’s Empowerment Grants.

According to Mary Malone, Chamber President, “The Chamber’s Annual Business Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people, businesses, and organizations that make the Greater Hazleton Area a great place to live, work, and do business. From our Large and Small Businesses of the Year to our Volunteer, Entrepreneur, and Nonprofit honorees, each award recognizes leadership, innovation, service, and commitment to our community. These recipients represent the very best of our Chamber membership and remind us that a strong business community is built by people who are willing to invest their time, talent, and resources in making Greater Hazleton stronger. In addition, the awards program offers our organization the opportunity to promote October as “Chambers of Commerce” month.”

To nominate yourself or a third party and receive an application to complete, contact Mary Malone at the Chamber, 455-1509, ext. 101, or email  or download an application here. Completed applications must be received by Monday, September 28^th.