As the details of the inaugural Blue Ribbon Awards come together, the excitement in town is building.

This week the Chamber of Commerce announced two categories of finalists, as well as announcing the Master of Ceremonies for the Blue Ribbon Awards luncheon which promises to be entertaining and a true celebration of the nominees and winners. Local comedian and radio announcer,

Howie Nave, has been selected as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. “Residents of the South Shore consider Howie to be their unofficial “Mr. Community” and thus it only made sense to have him host this community-wide awards program” commented Chamber Director of Member Services, Tina Bruess. “We are thrilled that he has agreed to participate and we’re certain it will add to the festivities.” Bruess concluded.

The Entrepreneur Award is intended to acknowledge a remarkable person who has developed a unique business, service or product that has created a buzz in our community. The following lists of nominees were submitted by customers and peers from within the community:

Body Essentials – Michelle Burghard

The Tahoe Guy – Curtis Fong

Highmark Designs – Hanna Bernard

Image Angels – Karen Linsley

Live Out Loud – Loral Langemeier

Sealed with a Kiss – Jana Walker Spano

Simple Tahoe Weddings – Karen Estes

Tahoe Arts & Mountain Culture – Becky Bell

The Green Award is intended to recognize a person or business that has made an effort to significantly improve and protect our environment by implementing a green service or program. The following list is an encouraging indication that local businesses are striving to alter their practices to ensure the sustainability of both our environment and economy.

Green

Barton Memorial Hospital/Healthcare System

Custom Floor Care

Heavenly Mountain Resort

Nevada Tahoe Conservation District (Doug Martin)

MontBleu Resort Casino

Cheryl Murakami

Sierra-at-Tahoe

Sierra Tahoe Wood Products

Tahoe Laundry Centers

Wide Awake Conscious Cafe

Congratulations to the nominees of both categories who are striving each day to achieve success and contribute to our local community. Please be sure to join the nominees and other community members at the Awards Luncheon on Thursday November 6th at the Horizon as we celebrate the accomplishments of the honorees and award recipients.

This event is being sponsored by RSN, Barton Memorial Hospital, Heavenly Ski Resort, South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association, Live Out Load and the Tahoe Daily Tribune. The keynote speaker will be internationally renowned marketing and branding expert David Tyreman. Finalists in the Blue Experience and Service categories were announced last week and can be found at http://www.tahoechamber.org.

Community members are encouraged to attend the Inaugural Blue Ribbon Awards luncheon on Nov. 6, 2008, at the Horizon Resort Casino to honor the award recipients and recognize all of the nominees.

Tickets are available at http://www.tahoechamber.org or by calling the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce at (775) 588-1728.