It’s no exaggeration to say that the Chippewa Valley is populated by heroes, but we don’t always recognize them as such. These heroes aren’t necessarily lifesavers or doers of headline-grabbing deeds. Most often they are the people who work, day in and day out, to make our communities stronger, more livable, and more beautiful. They are the vanguard, and it is for them that Volume One created the Chippewa Valley Vanguard Awards.

After a one-year hiatus, the Vanguards have returned under the sponsorship of Northwestern Bank. These awards recognize high-level community achievers who are making a significant local impact in one of a broad spectrum of areas including the arts, entrepreneurship, social action, government, education, philanthropy, health, business, and more. The Vanguards are meant to highlight both those who have been at the forefront of new ideas and ambitious endeavors for years as well as people who are just now coming into their own, inspiring and helping those around them. Together, these self-starters make up the community’s frontline of innovation, action, and momentum.

Between now and Friday, Nov. 11, at midnight, we invite you to go to volumeone.org/vanguard/nominate to tell us about those you think are worthy of this recognition. Once submissions are closed, a panel of key community players from diverse backgrounds and industries will evaluate nominations and work together to select the year’s honorees. Their identities will be publicly announced at Volume One’s Best Night celebration on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Lismore Hotel. So nominate your recognition-worthy neighbors, then mark your calendars for the Best Night you’ve had in years!

Learn more about the Vanguard Awards and previous years’ winners at volumeone.org/vanguard.