The Affton Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its annual awards, including Business Person of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

Nominations are being sought for:

• Business Person of the Year — Recognition of a successful business leader who has demonstrated ethical business practices, distinguished herself or himself with dedicated commitment and energetic leadership and is active in the community. This person has served to enhance the quality of business life in the Affton community. The person should embody the best qualities of community leadership through the combination of business, civic, and community activities.

• Citizen of the Year — Recognition of an individual who has made unique volunteer contributions to the Affton community with outstanding service and dedication to the interests of the community in a selfless manner.

Nominations also are being sought for Harold O. Kessler Beautification Awards, including:

• Commercial Renovation — An award for renovation of a commercial building in ZIP Code 63123 completed in 2011.

• New Construction-Commercial — An award for new construction of a commercial building in ZIP Code 63123 completed in 2011.

The chamber also presents a Community Improvement Award, when appropriate, to a building in ZIP Code 63123 that was built or renovated with public funds and completed in 2011.

For beautification or improvement awards, submit a picture of the project and a description of what was done. Before and after pictures would be appropriate, according to a chamber news release.

To submit nominations for any of the awards, visit

and click on the forms page and download a PDF form. Nominations also can be mailed to the chamber office at 10203 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123.

Include the name, address and telephone number of the nominee along with a letter explaining why the nominee should receive the award and which award.

The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. Those chosen must be able to be present at the awards dinner.

Awards will be presented at the chamber’s annual Awards and Auction Dinner Saturday, Jan. 21, at Two Hearts Banquet Center at 4532 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

This is the ninth year that the annual auction and awards will be combined to provide attendees with an even more enjoyable evening. The cost will be $35 per person and includes a buffet dinner, premium open bar and a bid number. For reservations, call (314) 849-6499.