Small-business nominees sought

Nominations are being accepted for the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce awards for small-business person of the year, with the field this year expanded to two awards.

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The awards for 2007 will go to a small business with fewer than 19 employees, and to a midsize business with 20-100 employees, according to the chamber.

Both awards will "recognize a small business for exceptional business achievement, dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, as well as an outstanding commitment to Columbia County's business community," according to the nomination information forms.

To be eligible for the awards, small businesses must have been in business for at least two years, been a chamber member in good standing for at least one year, and demonstrate involvement in community and chamber activities.

Past winners include Cindy Crawford, of Cindy's Catering, in 2006 and Dr. Gary Crook, of 1-Hour Optical, in 2005.

The chamber also is accepting nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

All of the chamber's awards will be presented at its annual meeting set for Jan. 28.

Nomination forms and guidelines for eligibility for all awards are available at the chamber office, 4424 Evans to Locks Road in Evans; on the Chamber's Web site, columbiacountychamber.com; or by calling Chris Baum at (706) 651-0018.