The Merrimack Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2011 Business and Business Leader of the Year.

A long-standing tradition, the award recognizes leadership, community involvement and local chamber participation.

Recipients of Business of the Year and Business Leader of the Year shine among their peers. If you know of a business or individual you feel are role models in their industry and the community, the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce wants to hear about them.

Businesses can self-nominate or be nominated by any business or community member. Winners will be recognized and announced at the chamber’s annual Banquet and Scholarship Fundraiser on Thursday, March 15, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nashua. All nominations must be received by 5 p.m., Feb. 29.

Nominees for business or organization of the year must demonstrate growth of the company or organization, a positive image and reputation, be active community involvement, and be active in chamber participation.

For Business Leader of the Year, the individual must be active within the company or organization, demonstrate leadership and contributions within the community, and be active in chamber participation. The individual must be an owner or employee of a company that is a member of the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce.

Award recipients over the past 10 years include:

Business or Organization of the Year:

2000 – PC Connection.

2001 – BAE Systems, Fidelity Investments, & Innovations Day Spa & Wellness Center.

2002 – Radisson Hotel & St. Joseph Hospital.

2003 – Merrimack News Connection.

2004 – Grinning Moon Creative.

2005 – Swan Chocolates.

2006 – Riverside Christian Church.

2007 – Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

2008 – Living At Home SeniorCare.

2009 – GT Solar.

2010 – Residence Inn by Marriott & Advantage Insurance.

Business Leader of the Year:

2000 – Tim Boucher, Michael Professional Association.

2001 – Jim Parolin, Allstate Insurance.

2002 – Cheryl Costa, Gift Basket Express.

2003 – Attorney Linda A. Theroux.

2004 – Carolyn Falgares, Talarico Companies.

2005 – Carolanne Caron, Mom’s Munchies

2006 – Katie Choo, Katie’s Back.

2007 – Alex Ray, Common Man Family of Restaurants.

2008 – Dr. Tony Lowenberg, Family Chiropractic of Merrimack.

2009 – Christine Kachmar, The Stocked Fridge.

2010 – Perry Spearman, Town Planner Community Calender.