Turlock is an ever-growing city teeming with new development, and at its core are some of the most galvanizing business, agricultural and philanthropic figures in the region.
And while it’s hard to select just seven noteworthy individuals who represent the city’s greatest, the Turlock Chamber of Commerce is hoping to do just that at the 49th annual Best of Turlock awards, calling on the community to get involved.
The public is invited to nominate candidates for each of the eight award categories: Agricultural Leader, Business Leader, Humanitarian, Educator, Small Business Leader, Youth Citizen of the Year, Citizen of the Year and the Enoch Christoffersen Award, which is given to a former Turlock resident who has distinguished him/herself in business, education, agriculture or humanitarian areas and deserves recognition from his/her hometown community.
Winners from each category are selected by a panel of judges, all from organizations within the community, and will be announced at the awards ceremony, set for 6 p.m. on Jan. 12 at the Larsa Banquet Hall.
“The atmosphere is very positive, because what they’re doing is honoring people they’ve known for a long time,” said event co-chair Eileen Hamilton. “These are usually people who are very devoted to the community in many ways.”
Criteria for nominees include their levels of success in longevity, innovativeness and creativity, response to adversity and displays of excellence, just to name a few.
Hamilton, whose husband was honored as Educator of the Year in 2000, understands the dedication that many of those who are honored put into not just their chosen crafts, but their town as well.
“These are people who give back through not only their businesses, but who also tend to be willing to give back in other ways in order to help the community,” said Hamilton. “It’s still a very close-knit community. Even though we’ve grown in numbers, we still support each other.”
Nomination forms and the criteria for each category can be found at the Chamber of Commerce, located at 115 S. Golden State Blvd., and are due by Dec. 1. Tickets to the Best of Turlock awards can also be purchased at the Chamber for $75, and sponsorship opportunities are also available.
