The Moore County Chamber of Commerce has announced nominations are now being accepted for the Chamber's inaugural Janet A. Powell Award.

This award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a tremendous positive impact on the community within the past year. This award will be presented at the Chamber's annual banquet on Feb. 2, the 45th anniversary celebration of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce.

"The Chamber is proud to showcase our community leaders and businesses and their contributions to the enrichment of Moore County," said Ken Lewis, 2011 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 both awards includes the following areas: Community volunteer - working without compensation for a business, government, or not-for profit organization to better the Moore County community; service to a nonprofit organization - going above and beyond the call of duty in assisting a nonprofit complete a project or meet its mission and doing so without compensation; and meeting a specific need/challenge in the community - demonstrated accomplishment in the face of unforeseen challenges, changes or adversity. The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m., Sept. 30. To obtain a nomination form email lparsons@moorecountychamber.com. Upon submission, the nominee will receive a full application for review by a select panel of judges.

The mission of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce is to provide quality, value-added services and programs to members to unite Moore County area businesses in a committed effort to strengthen the economic environment and thus, improve the quality of life for all of Moore County.