NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce board of directors
are asking for worthy candidate nominations for the Gary Justice Business Excellence Awards - small, medium and large businesses of the year - and Citizen of the Year.

"There are many people in Nacogdoches that go above and beyond what is expected and what is necessary," said Chamber Vice Chair Special Projects and Fundraisers Ben Wright. "Those people make a big difference in the quality of life we enjoy here, and it is the Chamber's privilege to recognize some of these individuals each year. It is fitting they be properly celebrated."

Award recipients will be honored at the 94th Annual Meeting and Membership Banquet on Sept. 29 in the Grand Ballroom at Stephen F. Austin State University.

"The Chamber board of directors is asking for help to identify those who are most deserving of Citizen of the Year and the Chamber's business excellence awards," Wright said. "Great appreciation to those that take a few minutes to give this some thought and nominate recommendations."

The nomination form may be downloaded from Hot News, a section at the bottom of the main page at nacogdoches.org, or contact the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, 936-560-5533. The form includes a listing of past award recipients. Anyone may submit nominations, and the deadline is July 16.

Event sponsorships may be secured now at the Nacogdoches County Chamber.

Pictured from left are Lauren and Dena Justice, daughter and widow of the late Gary Justice; Neal Slaten, owner of Tipton Ford, Inc., Large Business of the Year award recipient; and award sponsor Scott Goodrich, R&K Distributors, Inc. at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce 90th Annual Meeting & Banquet held Sept. 27, 2011. (Photo by Bruce

R. Partain)