Cape Breton Vital Awards nominations open

Program honours 16- to 40-year-olds in four categories

Awards that recognize the contributions made to community, school or workplace among youth and young professionals in Cape Breton is seeking nominations.

The fifth annual Cape Breton Vital Awards presented by the Next Gen Leadership Society and the Cape Breton Partnership will be held Nov. 2 at Centre 200 in Sydney.

The awards program honours 16- to 40-year-olds in four categories:

• Vital Excellence Award: Nominees are individuals who have played a vital role in their community through volunteerism, culture, leadership and innovation.

• Vital Employer Excellence Award: Recognizes employers who have played a vital role in creating rewarding employment opportunities for youth in Cape Breton.

• Vital Employee Excellence Award: Employers can nominate an employee who has played a vital role in their workplace in Cape Breton.

• Vital Innovation Excellence Award: A new award honouring an individual or company that has demonstrated and inspired leadership, creativity, problem solving, risk-taking, in their community or sector.

All of the winners recognized at the Vital Awards are honoured for their achievements and commitment to supporting their peers and for making Cape Breton a better place to live, work, and play.

“NextGen’s vision is one that strives to empower and motivate young talent, and we are proud to be able to recognize and build on success and achievements to create a new youth focused future for Cape Breton Island,” said Erin Gallagher, co-chair of the NextGen Leadership Board.

The deadline for submissions is Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. Nominations can be submitted online at the NextGen Leadership Society’s website, www.cbnextgen.com.

The website includes more information on how to nominate, purchase tickets, and how to become a sponsor of the event.

Early-bird tickets are on sale now for $25 and can be purchased online or by phone at 902-562-0122. After Oct. 19, ticket prices will go up to $30.