The Moore County Chamber of Commerce will present its inaugural Janet A. Powell Award during its annual banqquet Jan. 28.

This award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a tremendous positive impact on the community within the past year.

Congressman Howard Coble has been invited to present this award at the Chamber's annual banquet at the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst.

"The Chamber is proud to showcase our community leaders and businesses and their contributions to the enrichment of Moore County," said Jim Byrd, 2009 chairman of the board. "The Chamber is looking for an individual or organization that went above and beyond to meet a specific need in our community.

"Jan Powell was a true community advocate, and we are honored to remember her and the contributions she gave to our community in this manner."

The criteria for the award includes the following areas:

n Community volunteer - working without compensation for a business, government or nonprofit organization to better the Moore County community.

n Service to a nonprofit organization - going above and beyond the call of duty in assisting a nonprofit organization complete a project or meet its mission and doing so without compensation.

n Meeting a specific need/challenge in the community - demonstrated accomplishment in the face of unforeseen challenges, changes or adversity.