The Shelby County Chamber, Chelsea Business Alliance and the Montevallo Chamber recently announced the creation of the Tourism and Recreation All Star Awards, which is a joint venture that will recognize entities in the tourism and recreation business sector who excel in making Shelby County a more attractive destination for tourists and visitors.

The inaugural awards ceremony for this program is set for Oct. 3 in Columbiana. Nominations are now being accepted in three categories – lodging, restaurant and attractions/recreation.

In addition, the Rising Star category is also in place to recognize an organization that has distinguished itself in its first year of business. Completed nomination packets in all categories are due to The Shelby County Chamber by 5 p.m. on Sept. 6.

“Tourism and recreation are a vital part of our economy here in Shelby County. Recognizing their efforts is something our Chamber has wanted to do for a long time,” said Barbara Zieba, with Hampton Inn and Suites 280 – Eagle Point and the 2019 Chair of The Shelby County Chamber’s Tourism and Recreation Work Group.

Steve Gilbert, executive director of the Montevallo Chamber, said the new program is a positive way to recognize the individuals and organizations that make Montevallo attractive to tourists and visitors.

“These businesses are working every day to help make Chelsea an attractive place to visit. We look forward to celebrating their efforts with this program,” said Diane Thomas with PostNet of Chelsea, and the Chelsea Business Alliance’s current president.

The nomination process is open to the public to help ensure the program honors the most deserving in this industry. The nominee, or the person submitting the nomination, does not have to be an investor with the Chelsea Business Alliance, the Montevallo Chamber or The Shelby County Chamber. To be eligible for an award an entity must meet any one of the following criteria: operate in Shelby County, have a Shelby County business license or be an investor with either the Chelsea Business Alliance, the Montevallo Chamber or The Shelby County Chamber.

Organizations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
-Social media engagement: Types of platforms being used, number of followers, external output and reactions from the general public to their posts and the use of #DiscoverShelbyAL.
-Community engagement: How is the organization impacting Shelby County and/or the communities
-Information Packet: Customer service ratings, efforts to attract tourists and visitors to Shelby County and the communities.
-Investment in Chelsea Business Alliance, the Montevallo Chamber or The Shelby County Chamber.

Nomination packets are available online at Shelbychamber.org, or by contacting The Shelby County Chamber at 663-4542 or via email at Info@shelbyhamber.org .