Nominations are open for Wheat Ridge’s ninth annual Business Appreciation Awards Program, recognizing commercial concerns in categories of Business of the Year, Reinvestment and City Council’s Partnership. Winners will be honored at an October awards breakfast at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center.

“Our 2011 ceremony was the best we’ve ever had,” said Wheat Ridge Mayor Jerry DiTullio. “I truly believe this was due to the amount of nominations we received from throughout the community. I encourage everyone to nominate a business that should be honored."

The Business of the Year award recognizes a business that exemplifies good business practices that represent the values of our community.

The Reinvestment award recognizes a business that has made a significant investment in its property, improved the overall appearance of the site, maintained property at the highest standards, or updated its facilities in a manner to make it more marketable.

Through its Partnership award, City Council recognizes a company for their overall contributions to the city, using criteria from all award categories as well as contributions in volunteerism, leadership and community investment/involvement.

Last year’s honorees were Family Tree, Business of the Year; Compass Construction and modMood, Reinvestment; and myPie Pizza, City Council Partnership. The City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department received the 2011 Mayor’s Business & Community Partnership Award. Last year’s winners will help present this year’s awards.

 Nomination forms are available at City Hall, the Wheat Ridge public library and the recreation center, or can be downloaded at www.ci.wheatridge.co.us. Nominations must be received by Fri., Aug. 31.