WAUSAU — The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce is collecting nominations for the 2018 Small Businesses of the Year Awards through 3 p.m. on Friday, December 15. The Small Business of the Year Awards recognize business growth, community involvement and innovative efforts in the Wausau Region in three categories: business-to-business, business-to-consumer and charitable non-profit.

Visit wausauchamber.com to complete an online application or to download a printable form.

The 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards will be held on Tuesday, April 17 and are part of the Chamber’s 2018 Small Business Week which will be held from April 16 to April 20. Small Business Week also includes the Business EXPO 2018 at the Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center in Rothschild on Thursday, April 19.

The 2017 Small Business of the Year recipients were:

Business-to-Business category: Spectrum Insurance Group LLC – Weston is an integral part of the risk management programs of each of its clients. Manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, contractors, transportation companies, school districts and municipalities look to the company for help in protecting their assets and keeping their employees and customers safe. The business also aids their customers in regulation compliance.

Business-to-Consumer category: City Grill An American Bistro is a restaurant, meeting and banquet facility located in the heart of downtown Wausau. City Grill prides itself in the art of house-made classic food items coupled with a trendy, upscale flair. The business offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with unique décor and elaborate seasonal enhancements.

Charitable Non-Profit category: Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Inc – Northcentral District is focused on giving students from kindergarten through high school skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. The organization partners with businesses, educators and volunteers to inspire young people to dream big and reach their full potential, empowering students to connect what they are learning in school with the real world.

For more information about the 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards, visit wausauchamber.com or contact [email protected] or 715-848-5953.

The 2018 Small Business Week is presented by Ruder Ware LLSC and sponsored at the platinum level by Riiser Energy? and Sam’s Club, at the gold level by Ansay & Associates, Church Mutual Insurance Company and River Valley Bank, at the silver level by Peoples State Bank, Schenck SC, Wipfli LLP and Wisconsin Public Service, at the bronze level by Fully Promoted, Mallery & Zimmerman SC and Yach’s Body & Custom. The Business News and Midwest Communications? are the media sponsors for the week.