Nominations are being sought for the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 South Kitsap Man of the Year and Woman of the Year.

The chamber selected its first Man of the Year, Dr. Howard Minor, in 1963. 

Since then, 74 men and women have been honored as Man and Woman of the Year for their commitment to the South Kitsap Community. 

Last year’s Man and Woman of the year were Darryl Baldwin and  Lavelle Allen.

The successful candidate will have donated many hours to the organization of their choice for the betterment of the South Kitsap Community.

He or she does not have to be a Chamber of Commerce member or be associated with a business organization, but can be active in a church or synagogue, a youth organization, a nonprofit organization, fraternal, educational or political organization.

This year, the chamber is also bestowing its third annual South Kitsap (SK) Small Business of the Year Award.

The purpose is to recognize the dedication, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional business achievement and outstanding commitment to community displayed by a small local business.

The Port Orchard Chamber initiated the SK Small Business of the Year Award in 2008 as a way to recognize the many small successful businesses in the Port Orchard-South Kitsap area.

The award is designed to recognize local small businesses’ dedication, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional business achievement and outstanding commitment to our community.

Eligibility is restricted to businesses with fewer than 30 full-time employees and must be locally owned and privately held.

Institutional facilities, nonprofit organizations, regional offices and franchisees are not eligible.

It must be a member in good standing with the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce and have operated for a minimum of two successive years.

Past recipients of the SK Small Business of the Year Honorees include Custom Picture Framing in 2008 and Printing Services in 2009.

Nomination forms for Man and Woman of the Year along with criteria and guidelines for SK Small Business are available at the chamber office located at 1014 Bay St., Suite 8, or on the website at www.portorchard.com.

The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. Aug. 27., followed by the awards ceremony which will be held at the chamber’s annual meeting and installation banquet on Oct. 2.