HOUGHTON — Registration and nominations are now open for the Keweenaw Community SparkPlug Awards Dinner, which will be held Thursday, March 21, at the Memorial Union Ballroom in Houghton.

The Keweenaw Community SparkPlug Awards is a celebration that recognizes local businesses, organizations, community projects and individuals for their efforts during the past year. The event is organized and hosted by the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, Keweenaw Young Professionals, Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance.

Everyone in the community is encouraged to submit nominations for businesses, organizations, projects and individuals that have made significant strides in the community throughout 2023. Nominations can be made by visiting the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce website at www.keweenaw.org. The deadline for all nominations is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Nominations are sought in the following eight categories:

• Growth – Company that has seen significant growth in employment and/or sales during the previous year.

• Customer Service – Recognized by the community, other businesses, and customers for providing superior customer service.

• Innovation / Transformation – New or existing company pursuing new products or services that hold great promise for local economic growth and employment.

• Project of the Year – A high impact project that is notable within the community and will provide lasting benefits to businesses and community members.

• Young Professional of the Year – A person under the age of 40 who made significant strides in our community and in their profession in 2023.

• Community Contributor of the Year – A person who has made strides in the development of our community.

• First Responder of the Year – A first responder (police, fire, EMS, etc.) that went above and beyond to help keep our community safe during the previous year.

• Youth Contributor of the Year – A school-aged individual or organization that helped spark an improvement in our community through community service during the previous year.

Winners for each category will be selected by a committee made up of board members from the hosting organizations.

All are welcome to attend the event. Individual tickets are $50 and a reserved table for 8 is $400. For more information and event registration, please visit www.keweenaw.org or call the Chamber office at 906-482-5240.