We’re getting closer to the Perry Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, and recently the nominations were announced for the two yearly awards, as well as those for a brand new award.

Chamber members were able to nominate businesses and individuals for the Spirit of Perry Business of the Year, and the Jack Finneseth Memorial Volunteer of the Year. The Chamber Board also added a third award this year to recognize the Ambassador of the Year. There were seven nominees for Business of the Year, and Chamber Director Lynsi Pasutti says each is deserving in their own right. “We had a lot of nominations come in this year, and it’s really inspiring to see the descriptions that go along with those names, because we’ve got a lot of great things going on here in Perry!”

The candidates for Business of the Year include: Backwards Boutique and Backwards Properties; Betsy Peterson Designs; El Tren Taqueria; Hotel Pattee; Hulgan Plumbing and Heating; the Perry Community School District; and Perry Perk Coffee Shop. There are six nominees for Volunteer of the Year, which was named after the late Jack Finneseth, to honor someone who goes above and beyond to ensure the success of many events and programs around Perry. The candidates include: Lee Coons, Jenny Eklund, Lois Hoger, Emily Leslie, Matt McDevitt, and Misty VonBehren. The final award recognizes those who have participated in the revived Chamber Ambassador program, and have shown dedication through attendance and volunteerism at Chamber events. Four individuals are up for new award including: Joe Cerwinske, Zack Cregeen, Courtney Straker, and Misty VonBehren.

The awards will be announced during the Annual Dinner, which will be held at La Poste on Tuesday, April 2nd, starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30 per person and can be purchased by contacting the Chamber office at 515-465-4601. To learn more, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.