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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

Nominations are open for the fifth annual Shelby County Tourism and Recreation All-Star Awards.

Calera Main Street, Columbiana Main Street, Discover Shelby, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Main Street and The Shelby County Chamber are collaborating to recognize organizations in the tourism and recreation business sector which excel at making Shelby County an attractive destination for tourists and visitors.

“The awards luncheon, scheduled for May 8, will be a special time to recognize the ‘best of the best’ for their daily contributions to Shelby County tourism and recreation,” read an official release by The Shelby County Chamber. “What’s more, this recognition will distinguish your organization as a leader in the tourism and recreation sector, and your participation in the nomination process ensures that we are truly honoring the most deserving in this industry.”

Nominations are being accepted for the award in the following categories:

• Lodging
• Restaurant
• Attractions/Recreation
• Advocate

All 2025 nominees will be recognized at the fifth annual Shelby County Tourism and Recreation All-Star Awards’ Luncheon on Thursday, May 8 at the Grande Hall at Old Mill Square in Columbiana. Recipients in each of the four categories will be announced during the luncheon.

Nominations are open to the public and the nominee or the person submitting the nominations does not have to be a participant with any of the six host organizations. Self-nominations are accepted. Nominees will be judged on the quality and quantity of materials use to substantiate the nomination.

Organizations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Social media engagement: Types of platforms being used, number of followers, external output and reactions from the general public to their post, use of #DiscoverShelbyAL (Maximum 25 Points)
• Community engagement: How is the organization “impacting” Shelby County and/or our communities (Maximum 25 Points)
• Information packet: Customer service ratings, efforts to attract tourist and visitors to Shelby County and its communities (Maximum 45 Points)
• Participation/investment in Calera Main Street, Columbiana Mainstreet, Discover Shelby, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Main Street or The Shelby County Chamber (Maximum 5 Points)

Nominations with the completed packet must be submitted and received no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 16. Nominations packets are available online at Shelbychamber.org or contacting Cami Hammond at The Shelby County Chamber by phone at 205-663-4542.

Organizations wishing to be included need to submit a form to the Shelby County Chamber and are encouraged to provide additional documentation on their successes in the judging criteria. Materials submitted by email to cami@shelbychamber.org or by mail to The Shelby County Chamber at 1301 County Services Drive Pelham, AL 35124.