Who or what has helped Elgin's image the most?

Celebrating Elgin and its rich resources of people, organizations, projects and events is the focus of the 17th Annual Image Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m. on March 12.

Readers can nominate their favorite professional, volunteer or project for the award until Tuesday, Jan. 26. For more information, visit the city of Elgin's Web site or call Sue Olafson at (847) 931-6100.

The person or project must have advanced the city through a beautification, promotion or community service project.

There are separate Citizenship and Legacy awards designed for one or several people who provided unique or longtime volunteer service to Elgin.

Nominators should include a photo of their favorite person, project or event for use in a presentation featured the night of the ceremony. Digital images are encouraged. E-mail pictures to olafson_s@cityofelgin.org or submit them with the nomination.

Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the Image Awards have recognized more than 200 residents and projects, said Olafson, the city's public information officer who works with the Image Advisory Commission. In addition to hosting the awards ceremony, the group is also working on a new project to showcase historical people from and outside Elgin who helped build Elgin's legacy.

"We have already received a handful of award nominations and typically the majority of them come in the last week," said Olafson. "We are excited about the event because there were a lot of positive contributions to the city last year."

Last year, the commission recognized 16 people, including Elisabeth Spalinger Boehm who posthumously received the Legacy Award for running the Lisa Boehm School of Dance and teaching generations of dancers.

Also nominated for the award were the Children's Theatre of Elgin, Jerry Cain and Judson University, Demi Cooper Advertising, Jim Durante, First Community Bank, James Halik, J.B. Harris & Co., Sandy Kaptain, Kim's Black Belt Academy, Little Angels, the Elgin Community Network, Order Sons of Italy in America, Lodge 2446; Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society of Elgin Community College, and Reily Graphics.

Chairing the commission is Sue Moylan. Serving with her are Tricia Dieringer, Mohammad Iqbal, Susan McIntyre, E.C. "Mike" Alft, and John Atkins.

The group meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court. The public can attend any one of the open meetings.