Photo by Linda Whittington / Neuse News

By Scott Cole

With all that is going on in our world and in our community, it’s good to recognize those who work hard to make our home a better place to live in. Some people see Kinston and Lenoir County as more than just a place to have a business. They are active in their community and seek to improve the quality of life for everyone around them.

That’s why every year the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce celebrates, honors and rewards those individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to our community and businesses.

“I feel as though we have so many community leaders right here in Kinston and Lenoir County who do so much in our community," Chamber President Laura Lee Sylvester said. "By recognizing them, it shows how they make this community a better place to live, work, play. I think it is important to give them recognition for going the extra mile.

“The people in our community are familiar with those around them who excel and do what they can to make this such a great place to be in. They help our area out in many ways.”

The Chamber is seeking nominations for four awards: Pinnacle of Achievement, Small Business, Minority Business and Administrative Professional.

Sylvester encouraged residents to send in applications for nominations.

“We have a great selection committee, but the people in our community know who is doing a great job here," she said. "For example, with the Administrative Professional Awards, if you have someone in your office or on your staff who is the glue to everything your company does, that is who you need to recognize. We have awards for small businesses and minority-run businesses.

“There are people out there familiar with those businesses that represent something special with how they hire folks, treat people, and work within the community. Those are the people that we need to hear from. All the details are on the nomination forms.”

Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber Awards: Nomination Forms

Deadline for Submission – August 13, 2018

• Administrative Professional of the Year – Nomination form

• Pinnacle of Achievement – Nomination form

• Small Business Award – Nomination form

• Minority Business Award – Nomination form

One of the awards -- the Pinnacle of Achievement -- is for a businesswoman who has gone above and beyond in the community and has worked hard to promote and support local area businesswomen.

“That’s the award that recognizes a woman who has helped out the community in a large way," Chamber Chair-elect Judy Jones said. "I was the recipient of it a few years ago. I think it is great to recognize someone who has mentored others and helped others. We have a lot of great women who have helped out this community over the years and have won this award. I was humbled to win this one. It can be hard to choose someone because we are blessed with so many great people in this area.

"For this award, I would recommend nominating someone who has a history of working within the community and giving back to it.”

The presentations for the awards will take place at King’s Restaurant on Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. during the Rotary Club of Kinston's meeting.

Visit the Chamber's website (https://www.kinstonchamber.com/downloads) where you can find the forms needed to make a nomination of your own. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 13.

“The applications are detailed and show what each committee is looking for," Jones said. "Look for someone that you know who has given back to the community, worked on community boards, and people who are dedicated to their jobs and their community."