The Valley Times-News is accepting nominations for its first 20 under 40 class of Greater Valley Area leaders.

This will be a new annual program conducted by the Valley Times-News that will honor 20 people under the age of 40 who are making a difference in the local community. The inaugural edition will publish in March.

We need your help to select the 2019 class of young leaders. Do you know a rising business or professional star in the Greater Valley Area who is younger than 40 and is making a mark with both professional success and community involvement? If so, we invite you to nominate her or him.

Nominees must primarily conduct business in Chambers County, Alabama and/or in the city of West Point, Georgia and be under age 40 as of Jan. 1, 2019.

The deadline for nominations is Jan. 21. Winners will be notified in early February. Names will not be made public until the 20 Under 40 special section is published in March 2019. To nominate someone, click here.

Here’s some advice for nominations:

• You must complete the entire nomination form. Incomplete forms will not be considered.
• Self-nominations are allowed. However, a verifiable reference is required in order for self-nominations to qualify.
• Please include details in your nominations. Avoid just saying a nominee is a “good,” “hard-working” or a “kind” person. Add examples and anecdotes.

You can enter your nominations here: 20 Under 40 Nominations Form

Still have questions? Email the Valley Times-News editorial staff at news@valleytimes-news.com.