FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its Small Business Persons of the Year in four categories.

The awards will be part of 2013 Small Business Week sponsored by Regions Bank and scheduled for May 20-22. Completed nomination packets in four categories are due to the Chamber on Friday, April 26 by 5 p.m.

“Small business, which employs half of all private sector employees, generates roughly 70 percent of new jobs annually and accounts for one of every 13 U.S. workers, truly is the backbone of our economy both nationally and locally,” said Chamber President and CEO Kirk Mancer. “What’s more, roughly 75 percent of our 1,000-plus Chamber members are companies which employ 25 or fewer people. So you can see why small business is vitally important to our economy, Shelby County and our organization.”

The four categories are Category I (1-10 employees; Open one year or more), Category II (11-20 employees; Open one year or more), Category III (21 or more employees; Open one year or more) and Category IV (Fewer than 25 employees; Open less than one year).

The 2013 recipients will be announced at the Small Business Persons of the Year Awards’ Luncheon scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena from 11 a.m.-1p.m.

Nomination packets are available by contacting Brooke Story by phone at 663-4542 or via e-mail at brooke@shelbyhamber.org.