The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Winter Banquet and Awards Program will be held Feb. 28 at the Holiday Inn and Austin Conference Center.

The event focuses on member recognition, and includes presentation of three major business awards: Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, and Project of the Year. Other awards recognize outstanding chamber ambassadors, the chamber’s Volunteer of the Year, and, new this year, recognition of one member for an outstanding workforce wellness initiative.

The 15 nominees this year, who have been submitted by customers, employees, themselves or others, are reviewed to decide which ones will win an award.

“They fill out an application form and they describe their business in some detail,” said Sandy Forstner, executive director of the chamber. From there, ambassadors visit the businesses in person, and also accept letters from customers or others who can attest to the business’s quality.

Forstner said a number of categories decide who will win each award, including the level of customer service, growth and commitment to employees.

The day of the banquet, Chamber ambassadors host the evening’s entertainment under the theme “Sold on Austin.” About 300 people are expected to attend. To register or for more information, contact the chamber at 507-437-4561.

15 member businesses nominated for this year’s business awards:

A Smooth Move

Adams, Rizzi & Sween, PA

Ameriprise Financial Davis, Thoen, Kramer & Associates

Austin Country Club

Cedar Valley Services

China Star Restaurant

Hormel Foods Corp.

Mayo Clinic Health System – Albert Lea and Austin

Quick Care

Seller’s Lock & Key

Sterling Beauty Salon

Sterling State Bank

Twice Is Nice

Watts Cookin’

Yoga Studio of Austin