Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce will be accepting nominations for the following  categories beginning

December 1, 2024 through January 1, 2025. The recipients of these  awards will be presented at the

Smithville Chamber Community Awards Banquet on  Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Any Chamber member or citizen of the Smithville area may  submit a nomination.

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The selection criteria for each category are as follows:

Educator of the Year 

1. Educator of students at a public or private organization attended by Smithville students from Pre-K through Grade 12. Can include educators in childcare/daycare facilities, preschools, public and  private schools. 

2. Nominees will be rated on the degree that they demonstrate excellence in education in the  following four (4) areas:  

      • Demonstration of commitment to student success and love for learning  

      • Exhibition of the quality and/or innovation of an educational program or entity 

      • Demonstration of supportive and caring attitude toward students

      • Demonstration of support for the school mission and vision 

   3. Membership affiliation of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is NOT a requirement for the

       nominee.  

   4. Please describe to us why you feel the individual you have nominated deserves the Educator of the Year

       Award.

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Junior Citizen of the Year

1. The nominee must be of High School age or younger.  

2. The achievement of the nominee should be something that contributes to the betterment of the  community, sets an example, or encourages participation of others. 

3. Recognition may be given to service, which is of a continuing nature or is associated solely with a one time project or effort of significance to the community. 

4. Membership affiliation of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is NOT a requirement for the  nominee.

5. Please describe to us why you feel the individual you have nominated deserves the Smithville Junior  Citizen of the Year Award.

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Citizen of the Year 

1. The nominee must reside, or have their business, in Smithville. 

2. The nominee must have assisted in an improvement or program of significant value to the Smithville  Community. 

3. The improvement must be made, as a result of a personal commitment and not substantially as a  result of their primary employment or public responsibilities. 

4. Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is NOT a requirement for the nominee.  

5. Please describe to us why you feel the individual you have nominated deserves the Smithville Citizen of  the Year Award.  

 

Community Service Award 

1. Accomplishments must be based on projects that affect the citizens of the Smithville area.  Consideration will not be limited to achievements or contributions during the year immediately  preceding the year of the award, but shall be cumulative over a period of years in the community.  

2. Potential recipients include churches, social organizations and other organizations with a 501(c)3 or  other registered nonprofit status. 

3. This award is intended to honor an outstanding organization that has made a significant  contribution to our local community.  

4. It is designed to recognize the best, most innovative, highly creative and most effective  organization in accomplishing their goals.  

5. Membership of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is NOT a requirement for the nominee.  

6. Please describe to us why you feel the individual you have nominated deserves the Smithville  Community Service Award.

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Smithville Business of the Year 

1. Must have a business license with the city of Smithville, during the dates of January 1, 2023 and  December 31, 2023. 

2. Must have demonstrated one or more of the following characteristics: 

      • Exceptional growth through additional creation of jobs 

      • Revenue growth 

      • Innovative products, programs, or services 

      • Provides exemplary customer service 

      • Volunteers in the city of Smithville 

      • Completed either new construction or building renovations, with a potential return of investment on

        the local economy (“Community ROI”) 

   3. Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is NOT a requirement for the nominee.

   4. Please describe to us why you feel the business you have nominated deserves the Business of the Year 

       Award.

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Smithville Area Chamber Member of the Year 

1. This award is for a business, organization, or individual chamber membership (not for an individual  person working for a chamber member). 

2. Must have had a representative or served themselves on the Chamber Board of Directors, or sat on a Chamber committee (Special Events, Christmas, Easter Egg Hunt, Community Awards Dinner, Board Nominations) within the past five years. 

3. Promotes and contributes to the economic growth, stability and improvement of the area which the  Chamber serves. 

4. Gives generously of themselves and/or staff in time and resources to the Chamber.

5. Must be a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 3 consecutive years, to be nominated.  

6. Please describe to us why you feel the member you have nominated deserves the Smithville Area  Chamber Membership of the Year Award.

 

Rising Star Award 

1. This distinction is awarded to an “up and coming” business or individual that is putting Smithville on  the map and making it an exciting and dynamic place to live and work. 

2. Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is NOT a requirement for the nominee.  

3. Please describe to us why you feel the business or individual you have nominated deserves the Rising  Star Award.

 

William E. Parks Legacy Award 

1. The William E. Parks Legacy Award will be given annually to an individual Chamber member in  good standing for outstanding commitment and dedication to the Chamber’s mission, vision, and  values.  

2. Please describe to us why you feel the chamber member you have nominated deserves the William  E. Parks Legacy Award.  

 

Parks and Recreation Community Champion Award

Qualifications for the "Parks and Recreation Community Champion Award" should reflect the valuable contributions and commitment of community members to your parks and recreation department. Here are some potential qualifications:

1. Volunteer Service: The nominee should have a history of volunteering their time and resources to support parks and recreation initiatives.

2. Community Impact: The nominee's actions should have had a positive impact on the local community, such as enhancing recreational opportunities, promoting wellness, or fostering a sense of belonging.

3. Leadership: The nominee may have taken a leadership role in organizing events, initiatives, or programs that benefit parks and recreation services.

4. Innovation: Recognize individuals who have introduced innovative ideas or solutions that have improved the parks and recreation experience.

5. Longevity: Consider candidates who have demonstrated long-term commitment, showing consistent dedication over the years.

6. Collaboration: Nominees should have worked effectively with your parks and recreation department and other community stakeholders to achieve common goals.

7. Advocacy: Recognize those who have advocated for funding, resources, or policy changes that have positively impacted parks and recreation services.

8. Inclusivity: Give preference to individuals who have promoted inclusivity and diversity within the community's recreational activities.

9. Education and Outreach: Consider nominees who have engaged in educational or outreach efforts to raise awareness about the benefits of parks and recreation.

10. Inspirational Role Model: Look for nominees who inspire others to get involved and contribute to parks and recreation.