The Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce has announced several award winners and nominees for other annual awards that will be presented at the Awards Gala Saturday night.
This year’s Partners in Progress Award will be presented to the Little Egypt CEO. The CEO program is being honored for their steadfast partnership and unwavering commitment to growing and developing the next generation of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
There are eight nominees for teacher of the year. They are Kelly Compton, Laura Mayer, Angie Heart and Kendra Herman of Raccoon Grade School, Elizabeth Smith, Megan Ryce and Kerry Honerkamp of Salem Grade School District, and Michelle Murphy of Selmaville Grade School.
There are four nominees for Small Business of the Year. They are J. Lane Mobile Boutique, The Rusty Nail, Dairy Mart, and Iron Saddle.
Five have been nominated for Volunteer of the Year. They are Matt Stanford, Tyler Vincent, Mike Russell, Meredith Fyke, and Ellen Neff.
The lone nomination for new business of the year is Owens and Associates Insurance Agency and the only nomination for the Legacy Award for lifetime betterment of the community is Sharon’s Cafe.
A number of businesses will be honored for their milestone achievements. They are the Amy Schultz Advocacy Center for 35 years, El Rancherito for 15 years, Gossett Printing for 30 years, People’s State Bank for 150 years, BNI (PRAISE) for 30 years, Rent One for 40 years, Somer Real Estate for 50 years, and Little Egypt Golf Cars LTD for 40 years.
The chamber will also recognize non-profit partner organizations. They are the American Red Cross Blood Donor Program, the Amy Schultz Child Advocacy Program, BCS Sanctuary, Pregnancy Care Clinic, SAFE, Pawsotively Scrumptious Cat Cafe, United Way of South Central Illinois, Keep Salem Beautiful and Salem Little League.
The Awards Gala begins with social hour at the Salem Community Activity Center at six Saturday night. It will feature a live DJ and dancing, networking opportunities, fun selfie stations, party bus, and balloon pop fund raiser.
