Cornwall Ontario (Cornwall.ca) — It’s one of Cornwall’s most distinguished affairs and 2015 will be a special year for the event. The Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence and Citizen of the Year Awards banquet will kick off a year of celebration as the business association marks 125 years of service to the community.

“We are now seeking nominations for the various awards,” reports Chamber Executive Manager Lezlie Strasser. “Because it will be the Chamber’s 125th anniversary year, the winners during the Awards Banquet will become part of a very special group.”

The event will take place on Saturday, February 21 in the Salons of the Cornwall Civic Complex beginning at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are available at $125 + HST per person and tables of 10 are available for businesses that wish to invite a number of guests.

“While we traditionally pay tribute to business professionals, companies, and individuals who have made a positive difference in the community, this year’s winners will be part of an even larger celebration — 125 years of Chamber service to the businesses and citizens of Cornwall,” reports Banquet Chair and Chamber Past President Rick Shaver.

The Awards Banquet has been the Chamber’s most distinguished affair for over 25 years. Dozens of firms and individuals have been recognized for excellence in the Cornwall area’s business sector with others honoured for outstanding contributions to the community as a whole.

There are a total of nine awards plus the Citizen of the Year. The business awards include Business, Economic Impact, Entrepreneur, Lifetime Business Achievement, and Small Business. There are also the Above and Beyond and Team Cornwall Ambassador awards. Two additional ones, Breakthrough and the Dr. Garth Taylor Humanitarian awards, are presented only when there are worthy candidates.

A prestigious individual award is the Citizen of the Year. Since it was inaugurated, more than 40 local citizens have received the award, bestowed annually on someone whose selfless commitment to the community and its people has made Cornwall a better place to work and to live.

For information about nominations, visit the Chamber website. Nomination forms and award details may also be picked up from the Chamber office at 113 Second Street East.

“The Chamber would like anyone who knows of a deserving firm or individual to take the time to submit a nomination,” adds Strasser. “It’s your chance to recognize someone in our community who has made a positive difference.”