The Napa Chamber Foundation and The Mechanics Bank are pleased to announce that they are accepting nominations for the Napa Valley Community Awards, “Celebrating Community.” This event recognizes local community leaders, individuals and businesses for their outstanding leadership, contributions and/or achievements toward the betterment of the communities of Napa Valley. There are awards in seven categories that reflect far-reaching benefits to our daily quality of life. The nomination guidelines have a core principle that the nominee has an over-arching commitment to go above and beyond the requirements of their chosen profession or area of focus.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

• Outstanding Community Booster of the Year: For someone who promotes and represents his or her community in a positive manner and helps improve the quality of life in the Napa Valley.
• Outstanding Healthcare Professional of the Year: This individual or group reaches beyond their immediate responsibilities to inspire others in healthcare related causes in the Napa Valley.
• Outstanding Public Safety Person of the Year: This person demonstrates action beyond the call of duty, providing assistance to the public and enhancing lives in the Napa Valley.
• Outstanding Napa Valley College Student of the Year: This individual embodies the characteristics of a great student leader through scholastic achievement and community involvement.
• Outstanding Hospitality Tourism Award: This individual or group gives beyond what is required and inspires others to promote the virtues of the Napa Valley.
• Outstanding Nonprofit Employee of the Year. This person goes beyond their job requirements and inspires others to support a significant cause for the betterment of life in Napa Valley.
• Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year. This group does more than what is required in its profession and serves as an inspiration for others to improve the quality of life in the Napa Valley.

Nominations deadline is Friday, March 22, 2010
Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of volunteers from the Napa Chamber Foundation and The Mechanics Bank. Expanded descriptions of the nominee categories and an on-line nomination form can be found at  http://napachamberfoundation.org/nomination.html. Nomination forms are also available through the Napa Chamber of Commerce, 1556 First Street, Napa and The Mechanics Bank, 433 Soscol Avenue, Suite B-161, Napa.

Awardees will be announced on Monday, April 9, 2010 on the Napa Chamber Edition of Today in the Wine Country on KVON 1440AM at 9:00am.

Presentation of the Awards will be made on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa at a “Community Celebration” from 11:30a.m. - 1:30p.m. Reservation information will be available soon.

For further information about the Napa Valley Community Awards, contact the Napa Chamber at (707) 226-7455.