What’s happening: Sterling Heights is set to roll out the red carpet for the best and brightest of Macomb County business owners this year as the annual Macomb Business Awards has announced the AMC Forum 30 as the venue for this year’s big event. Nominations for awards in six categories are being accepted online through Friday, March 7, with the 13th annual Macomb Business Awards planned for Thursday, May 15.

What to expect: “This event is one of the County’s largest celebrations of local businesses and organizations, and this year’s program will be unlike anything we’ve done before,” reads a statement from Vicky Rowinski, director of the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. “Since we’ll be at the AMC Forum 30, there will definitely be some Hollywood-style touches that will put a big spotlight on our deserving attendees and awardees. Needless to say, we can’t wait for the show to start!”

How it works: The public nominates their favorite small businesses across six categories, with a panel of judges reviewing each nominee before presenting the winners their trophies on awards night. This year’s program introduces a new category in the Green Macomb Sustainability Award, which will be given to an “organization supporting workplace green practices, strengthening the economy, quality of life and the environment,” per Macomb County. Other categories include Best Place to Work, Fueling the Talent Pipeline, Hidden Gem, Manufacturer of the Year, and Nonprofit of the Year.

Visit Macomb County Planning and Economic Development online to nominate Macomb County businesses before 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 7.

Green thumb: “This year we’re thrilled to add a new category – the Green Macomb Sustainability Award,” says Rowinski. “This reflects our department’s work in the parks and natural resources space, and it will highlight the important and innovative efforts many companies and organizations are undertaking to be environmental stewards here in Macomb County.”

The 13th annual Macomb Business Awards is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, at the AMC Forum 30 in Sterling Heights.

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