Fill out a nomination for the Chamber Arts Awards and say “Thank You” to the individuals and organizations supporting the arts in Edmonds. Nominations are due by Feb. 14 so don’t delay.

Many businesses in Edmonds have provided leadership in support for the arts – which ones are your heroes?

Is there a business you know of that has contributed to supporting an arts program with financial sponsorship, donated space, or refreshments to help present a special exhibit or show or a writing contest?

These are just a few of the kinds of activities that would make a business or organization a candidate for the Business Leadership Award.

And maybe you are thinking of a particular person who has provided exceptional leadership in support for the arts, working to connect arts organizations with local businesses and gone even a few steps further to encourage colleagues to support other aspects of the program or donate to and bring a table of friends to the organization’s fundraiser?

Is this a person you could nominate for Individual Leadership?

In some cases local businesses and organizations have worked together to create programs or events that showcase the arts in Edmonds, bringing resources together in a new way (remember the Film Festival?... it was only one year but was a good example of Creative Collaboration with nonprofit, Chamber, City, and local businesses all working together.)

Edmonds is proud of its active arts community so take this opportunity to shine a spotlight on your favorite arts heroes – those volunteers and business or organizational leaders who support the programs you love in the visual, performing and literary arts.

Awards will be made in four categories: business leadership, individual leadership, creative collaboration, and individual volunteer service.

Visit the Chamber website www.edmondswa.com/awards for descriptions of each category and an online nomination form to nominate your favorite partners and volunteers.

Hard copies are also available at the Chamber office at 121 5th Ave. N, Edmonds.

Nominations are due Feb. 14, 2013. Selected arts heroes will be honored at a public awards ceremony on March 21, at the Edmonds Conference Center, just after Third Thursday Art Walk.

See the Chamber website for more information www.edmondswa.com/awards.

About the Edmonds Chamber Arts and Culture Committee

The Arts and Culture Committee started over a year ago with the goal of raising awareness about the significant contributions of our local arts and culture sector to the economic vitality of Edmonds and highlighting the many partnerships and collaborations that support arts & culture. The committee, chaired by Chamber Board member Jack Loos, includes representation from the City of Edmonds, the Edmonds Arts Commission, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds Community College, Port of Edmonds, local non-profits, businesses, and artists. Chamber membership is not required in order to serve on the committee.

About the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce

The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce was chartered in 1907 and is a voluntary organization, which serves over 430 business and professional leaders in Edmonds and South Snohomish County. The chamber’s mission is to promote the economic vitality of the greater Edmonds business community through advocacy, leadership and education. The organization also serves to encourage unified public support and initiate action for the sustainability of our rich quality of life in our community and state.