Get in your nomination for Batavia Citizen of the Year by Nov. 12

Is there a Batavia citizen who you believe exemplifies giving back to the community through outstanding service and dedication? If so, nominate them for the annual Batavia Citizen of the Year Award. The award honors extraordinary contributions to the community over the course of the recipient's lifetime.

This person (or persons) will be the guest of honor at the Batavia Chamber of Commerce's annual recognition event. The Inspire 2022 awards celebration takes place on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022.

The Citizen of the Year Award is given to a local resident whose service and dedication have made a significant contribution to the community.

The nominee must reside, or have their business, in Batavia or Batavia Township, and have assisted in an improvement or program of significant value to the Batavia community. 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.

The nominee does not need to be a member of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, and may not currently serve on the Batavia Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

The contributions of the nominee to the community should be of an extraordinary nature.

To nominate a deserving person, submit a letter of recommendation to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce no later than Friday, Nov. 12. The letter should state the reasons why the nominee is worthy of this honor. A committee of previous recipients of the award selects the Batavia Citizen of the Year based upon the letters of recommendation received.

The last 10 Batavia Citizen of the Year winners are: Bob Hansen (2020), Nanette "Nan" Phillips (2019), Georgene Kauth O'Dwyer (2018), Marcia Boyce (2017), Ed and Nancy Weiss (2016), Joanne Spitz (2015), J. Thomas "Tom" Von Lunen (2014), James (Jim) Hanson (2013), Steve and Britta McKenna (2012), and Robert and Suzanne Peterson (2011).

For information, contact Margaret Perreault, chamber president and CEO, at margaret@bataviachamber.org or (630) 879-7134.

A local business-centered organization, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce sponsors or is involved with several annual Batavia events, including the annual Mayor's Breakfast, Citizen of the Year/Ole Awards Event, annual golf outing and much more. Membership and information about upcoming Chamber and community events are available online at bataviachamber.org.