AWARD CRITERIA
Citizen of the Year
The recipient should be actively involved in community organizations and is a catalyst to make things happen. They are well rounded in their commitments to family, church, community, and job. A person who puts time and effort into making the lives of others better and is well respected. He/She is a very caring person who puts others first. This person is a team player capable of leading and recruiting the assistance of others. A person with the philosophy of “service is the price you pay for the space you occupy in this world.”
Humanitarian/Achievement Award
The recipient should be a benefactor of mankind, kind-hearted, compassionate, considerate, and unselfish. This recipient should be generous with their time and talent to better the lives of others. They have a good Samaritan philosophy with a passion for a cause which is much bigger than themselves.
One who uses their own financial resources or has the resourcefulness to know where to find assistance. One who has organized and implemented the process. The recipient has special skills and talents and often spends countless hours of time training and/or nurturing others. One who works diligently for a cause with no thought of personal gain.
This recipient should be a person/group who has been a part of making the community grow and improve in some physical or discernible way. The recipient should be a person/group of vision. The recipient should be a person/group who has, or is, contributing and accomplishing their dream for a better community.
This recipient should be a person/group who has provided, or is providing a “stepping stone” to the future. Building something of lasting value. A person/group who is building, or who spends time instilling responsibility and positive character traits in others.
Community Business Award
The recipient of the Business Award must have the ability to change and cultivate a positive image as the business scene changes. The award recipient must have a vision for the business. The recipient has earned a high level of respect within the business community and is a well-rounded business from the standpoint of financial performance, business responsibility, service to the community, and providing philanthropic support to the community.
The recipient business should have primarily relied upon their own resources or private sector resources. A business in which their employees contribute volunteer time to enhance the quality of life in the community. The recipient can be innovative in creating or expanding its business or job creation. The recipient should have made a significant contribution to the quality of life in Mercer County.
Youth in Leadership
This recipient will be nominated by their employer and must be a junior or senior in a Mercer County high school and employed or volunteering at a Mercer County business/organization. This recipient exemplifies a great work ethic, dedication, passion, and the desire to improve their own quality of work. The recipient works exceptionally well with others and maintains a positive attitude. They will show equal qualities in their schoolwork as well. The selected recipient will not only be awarded at the annual chamber banquet but will also receive a $500 scholarship to be used towards their college education or towards their growth in the workforce.
Annual Awards Banquet
Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Romer’s Catering, Celina, OH. Tickets are available by calling 419-586-2219. Tickets are $25 per person or $195 for a corporate table of 8. Join us for an evening of celebration.
To Nominate:
Complete the online nomination form or you may also print your application and email it to stacy@celinamercer.com.
Be sure to include on a separate paper please explain in detail why you have nominated this person or business for the award indicated. Please be as complete as possible.
Award applications and nomination sheets should be submitted by January 31, 2026.