'A Celebration of Community Spirit' tonight

The Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce (EMACC), Red Bank, is holding its 2009 Spinnaker Award dinner tonight, Nov. 12. Now in its 18th year, the Spinnaker Awards honor businesses and individuals who "make life better for everyone in eastern Monmouth County."

The 2009 Spinnaker honorees are:

Volunteer of the Year: Tom Hayes. The award recognizes "Above and beyond service and dedication by an individual who provides exemplary service to the community."

Arts and Culture Award: The Two River Theatre Company in Red Bank. The honor is awarded "In recognition of those individuals and organizations that support and cultivate an appreciation of arts in the community.

Public Service Award: Suzanne S. Castleman, mayor of Little Silver. The award is given "To honor an individual who is a source of pride to the citizens he/she serves and is consistent with the high principles of the chamber for all who hold a public charge."

Community Service Award: The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, Red Bank. The recognition goes to "A business with [fewer] than 50 employees that has shown a dedication to the good of the Eastern Monmouth community by leadership and spirit in support of our quality of life."

Corporate Good Neighbor: Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook and Cooper, Westfield. The award is reserved "For a business with 50 or more employees. Beginning with the CEO, a business whose culture motivates employees to be personally involved as good Samaritans to people in need, making Eastern Monmouth a better place to live."

Nonprofit Organization of the Year: The Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Center. To honor an organization that provides quality and consistent programs and services to the community.

The chamber has introduced a new Spinnaker category, Tourism: Red Bank's annual July 3 extravaganza Kaboom! Fireworks on the Navesink is the honoree.

The new category was created "To recognize the special events and activities in the Monmouth County area that are created for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors and contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life in our communities.

T

he awards dinner is being held at

Branches in West Long Branch.

Established in 1928, the Eastern MonmouthArea Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of Eatontown, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright, Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls. Chamber offices are located at 47 Reckless Place, Red Bank. For information, call 732-741-0055 or visit www.emacc.org.