The City of Waseca’s Human Rights Commission recognizes the volunteer’s activity of an individual, group, or business that demonstrates specials efforts to ensure the human rights of all Waseca citizens. Their contribution must represent a substantial effort toward winning or preserving equality and justice for group of people whose circumstances make them vulnerable to prejudice, discrimination, or injustice. This year’s recipient is the late Benita Nelson.

Each year Rotary recognizes The Service-Above-Self Award. It represents an outstanding volunteer who has provided exceptional service to the Waseca Community in one or two focus areas for several years. The Rotary recipient must demonstrate a commitment to service, organization, or cause for many years and have made a lasting contribution to the community in the form of volunteering. This year’s recipients are Jack and Mary Williams.

The Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award is designed to recognize men and women whose sacrifice for public good is motivated by an innate desire to help others; to honor those individuals whose good deeds might otherwise go without notice, and to recognize the exemplary efforts of Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and School and Community Volunteers for the efforts they invest for the further inspiration and development of children and students. This year’s recipient is Carol Peterson.

The recipient of the James J. Donahue Award focuses on volunteers as opposed to staff. The candidate(s) encourage the promotion & advancement of community development and exhibits over time, commitment, attitude, and results that demonstrate long-term benefits to the Waseca community. This year’s recipient is the Waseca Area Tourism and Visitors Bureau.

The Waseca County Distinguished Agricultural Leadership Award is a prestigious award given to recognize and honor individuals both currently and posthumously who have dedicated their lives to the advancement of agricultural industry in the Waseca County area through demonstration of leadership in the community, and/or their place of business. This year’s recipients are: Gyles Randall, Posthumous awards; L.P. Zimmerman and Matthew Hines.

Boss of the Year is a respected supervisor, leader, and mentor that oversees and directs a significant number of employees. The candidate demonstrates integrity, passion, and vision for his/her business as well as his/her employees. This individual is involved and contributes to the well being of the community. This year’s recipient is Tracy Jevning, of ICAN and Daily Grind.

The recipient of the Distinguished Service Award is an individual between 18-40 years old and a resident of Waseca. This individual has “given themselves” through civic involvement, career or business accomplishments, and personal improvement. This year’s recipient is Amy Nelson, Waseca County Extension, University of Minnesota.

The recipient of the Don Eustice Community Service Award is an individual who is involved in a variety of organizations and projects as well as those who have truly made a difference in the community. Tradition has it the recipient is a secret and will be announced at the end of the event.

RSVP to the Chamber by Friday, January 20th, 2012.For tickets and more details call
Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce at 835-3260.