U.S. Chamber BCLC Seeks Nominations for Corporate Citizenship Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) is now accepting nominations for its 9th annual Corporate Citizenship Awards. The awards recognize companies that have made extraordinary contributions to their communities and have excelled in promoting corporate values.

"Many companies give back to their communities everyday, yet very few ever receive any attention or recognition for the benefits they provide," said BCLC Executive Director Stephen Jordan. "These awards are a chance to honor and salute the best companies from all across the nation, who demonstrate day-in and day-out that they care deeply about their communities and are committed to helping shape their communities in a positive manner."

The 2008 Corporate Citizenship Awards encompass four categories:

• Corporate Stewardship: For companies that exemplify the highest ideals of corporate citizenship through overall values, strategies, and operational practices; subcategories are designed for large businesses and small/midsize businesses
• U.S. Community Service: For a specific community service program in the U.S. that contributes to the positive development of the community
• International Community Service: For a specific community service program outside of the U.S. that contributes to the positive development of the host country
• Business-Nonprofit Partnership: For a company and a charitable organization that have worked together successfully to address an important social issue

Award nominees must be members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Companies, trade associations, and chambers may nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party. Submissions will be accepted until Friday, June 27, 2008 at 5 p.m. and must be sent via the nomination kit available on BCLC's website at www.uschamber.com/bclc/awards.

Five finalists in each category will be selected, and external judging committees will determine the winners in all categories except for the Partnership Award. The Partnership Award winner is selected by public voting on BCLC's website. Winners will be revealed at the Awards Dinner and gala on November 18, 2008 in Washington, D.C.

BCLC is a 501(c)(3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is the U.S. Chamber's resource and voice for the U.S. business sector's social and community interests. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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