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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Indian Hills Community College’s Regional Economic Advancement team is accepting nominations for their Second Annual Vision Awards.

Entrepreneurs play a vital role in the regional economy, and the Vision Awards are designed as a way to honor a few of the many valuable contributions that these entrepreneurs make to their communities.  Indian Hills is seeking nominations of businesses and individuals that are deserving of receiving an award for their contributions to their community and the field of entrepreneurship.

The awards, which will be announced at a special event on April 25, will include: Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Student Entrepreneur of the Year, Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year and IHCC Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year.  Details about the recognition ceremony will be announced in early 2013.

Nominations can be made online at www.indianhills.edu/visionawards.  The nomination process is very simple and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.  Specific details about the criteria for each award are available at the website.  The deadline for submitting nominations is March 25, 2013.

Last year’s winners included: Brooklyn Burrell, Blakesburg, Student Entrepreneur of the Year; Ben Booth, a teacher in the Tri-County School District, Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year; Gaylon Cowan, co-owner of C & C Machining in Centerville, Indian Hills Alumni Entrepreneur Award; Tortilleria Los Twins, Ottumwa, New Business of the Year; and Mid-States Manufacturing and Engineering, Milton, Business of the Year.