Dear MCRCC Members & Friends, 
  
The Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to host our annual Community Leaders of Distinction Awards Ceremony this Spring! For over a decade, this event has served to honor a select group of individuals and organizations whose everyday work contributes to a forever improving Middlesex County. This celebration is an opportunity to see our community come together and to be inspired to work toward a better future. We hope you will join us in this longstanding tradition of recognizing those who make our region a great place to live, work, and play. 

Here at the MCRCC, our members are at the center of everything we do. That being the case, we want to hear from YOU! Nominations are welcomed and encouraged. If you know a colleague, peer, community member, etc. whose efforts deserve to be recognized, this is your opportunity to spotlight them. Please take a moment to review the Nomination Categories below and submit your feedback by March 22nd, 2024. All nominees will be considered. 

We look forward to reading your submissions and learning more about these special people and their exemplary endeavors. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Kathy Shaw at [email protected] or Connor Wallace at [email protected]. In any case, we hope to see you on May 29th to enjoy a memorable and purposeful event.

Business Leader of the Year
  • Shows a dedication to pursuing growth in their own business, while also adding value to the Central Jersey business community at large.
  • Emphasizes the professional and personal development of their team and partners.
  • Contributes to the region’s economic strength and ability to attract new opportunities and top talent.

Community Organization of the Year 
  • Emphasizes the importance of community development and altruism within their mission and daily operations.
  • Engages state and local agencies to help build access to resources for those affected by issues such as housing and food insecurity. 
  • Utilizes their organization as a platform to support services to vulnerable and underserved members of our community.

Public Servant of the Year
  • Works as a public employee, pursuing improvements in the arenas of local education, community development, healthcare, transportation, etc.
  • Goes above and beyond the requirements of their job description to achieve and exceed public interest-oriented goals.
  • Thinks outside the box to explore alternative avenues of securing funding, resources, and support for their programs and initiatives. 

Community Volunteer of the Year
  • Embodies volunteerism, leadership, courage, and dedication to humanity in areas of diversity, equality, and inclusion. 
  • Gives their time freely and willingly to an organization and/or community, while encouraging and enabling others to do the same.
  • Demonstrates a longstanding commitment to volunteerism, serving on boards and/or committees to further their cause.

Emerging Leader of the Year
  • Demonstrates a dedication to building their experience, skills, and qualities to exceed their personal and organizational goals.
  • Takes an innovative approach in their work to help their company/organization adapt to ongoing changes in the business landscape.
  • Works with their peers to bridge the gap in leadership development and usher in new practices and policies. 

Hometown Hero of the Year
  • Serves in a capacity including, but not limited to law enforcement, fire, and emergency preparedness/response.
  • Collaborates with other governmental agencies and the business community to address complex issues effectively. 
  • Serves as a conduit between their agency and the public, fostering an opening dialogue with the community they serve.