Residents around the county can start brainstorming about who they would like to see as the next Stars of Lake County. The 11th year of the annual Stars of Lake County community recognition program will take place on Sunday, March 30, and organizers say it”s time to start thinking about writing up nominations for the 21 categories.
Now known as arguably the most prestigious awards recognizing service, volunteers, businesses and organization, more than 1,100 acknowledgements have gone out to community members since its inception in 1998.
“It is the only recognition program of its kind in the county,” said Anna Girod, Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce president.
During the first ten years, 197 individuals, businesses and organizations have been awarded a Star of Lake County for their efforts to improve the quality of life in the communities of Lake County. Throughout the years, all the communities of Lake County have been represented by between 85 and 100 nominations. In 2007, 117 nominations were received and organizers expect at least that many this year.
The programs selection committee is comprised of 13 individuals from every area of Lake County. They receive copies of each nomination about two weeks before they meet to choose the recipients in each category. It”s about a six-hour process once they come together, as each nominee is reviewed and then a secret ballot is cast to determine the award recipients. Deadline for nominations for the 2008 Stars Awards is Feb. 23, 2008.
“It truly is an exciting evening for all those involved. The Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring this program to Lake County,” Girod said.
The event includes a five-course dinner. Each award recipient will be escorted to the stage, while the category sponsor reads the recipient”s nomination letter. They are then presented with a star award trophy and U.S. Representative Mike Thompson presents them with a certificate. Entertainment, comprised of local talent, is presented during the reception and five-course dinner. David Neft will once again play during the reception period.
“The program has exceeded the hopes and aspirations of everyone involved over these many years,” Girod said.
Stars of Lake County was founded in 1998 by Judi Pollace, former publisher for the Clear Lake Observer?American and past president of the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce. According to Chamber representatives, the event would not be possible without the support of sponsors, who can elect to support a prize in a star award category. For more information about nominations and the event, please contact Melissa Fulton, chamber CEO, at 262-5092.
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