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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – An effort to recognize businesses within Shelby County’s tourism and recreational business sectors is currently underway as organizers seek more nominations ahead of a county-wide banquet celebrating their economic success.

Organized in cooperation between Calera Main Street, Columbiana Main Street, Discover Shelby, the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Main Street and the Shelby County Chamber, the annual Shelby County Tourism and Recreation All Star Awards’ Luncheon will recognize local leaders in the industry and place a spotlight on the accomplishments of local businesses in those respective industries.

“For the fourth year, multiple business groups in Shelby County are collaborating to recognize those entities in the tourism and recreation business sector which excel each day in making Shelby County a more attractive destination for tourists and visitors,” said Cami Hammond, Community and Career Development manager at the Shelby County Chamber.

To ensure that as many businesses are included as possible, event organizers have set the deadline for nominations to be no later than Friday, Sept. 13 at 5 p.m.

This year’s event will have a slightly altered awards lineup with a total of four award categories that will be observed during the event. Those categories will consist of recognitions of the Lodging Facility of the Year, the Restaurant of the Year, the Attraction/Recreation Event of the Year and a selection for the Advocate of the Year.

All entered nominees will also be recognized and named at the luncheon when it is held on Thursday, Oct. 3 at Old Mill Square in Columbiana.

Nomination packets are currently available online at Shelbychamber.org or by contacting Hammond by phone at 205-663-4542 or via e-mail at cami@shelbychamber.org.