HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Heart of Hanover Awards, the inaugural Hanover County Business Awards program, aims to recognize and celebrate the county's local businesses this year. Through the collaboration of Hanover County and other businesses in the community, nominations for the seven publ ic-decided awards will open for three weeks starting on Monday, April 14. Companies can be nominated by themselves or by the public. By nominating a local business in all seven categories, voters have a chance to win a Hanover Economic Development bag of local prizes. “Businesses are the heart and soul of the Hanover economy, offering so much to our local community every day,” said John Budesky, Hanover County Administrator. “This is a small way which County government and, especially residents of the community, can say ‘thank you’ and provide recognition to our vibrant business community.”  In a release from the county, the program looks to showcase major contributions to the community and economic development, with committee-determined categories historically awarded, such as the Legacy Business Awards, dedicated to businesses in continual operation in Hanover for more than 50 years. In addition, the county will be awarding the newly designated Design and Building Improvement Award, as well as the Marc S. Weiss Award, which is given to the top business of the year that has thrived in specific areas, such as investment, community involvement and more, a spokesperson with Hanover said. The public will determine the following awards: Destination Business of the Year Health and Wellness Business of the Year Manufacturer of Coolest Thing Made in Hanover Nonprofit of the Year Retail Business of the Year Restaurant of the Year Service Business of the Year Public voting is scheduled to start on Monday, May 5, and will remain open for two weeks. The county emphasized that the most-voted-for business in their respective category will be announced at the Business Awards Luncheon Program on Wednesday, June 11. Registration for the luncheon will open in the spring.  The county also said that, if you are unable to submit nominations or vote online, voters can alternatively fill out a paper form, beginning on Monday. A paper voting ballot will be available starting Monday, May 5, in the Hanover County Economic Development office, which is located at 8200 Center Path Lane, Suite E, in the Mechanicsville area in Hanover. For more information about the awards or how you can submit a nomination, visit the county's website or contact Ann Glave, Existing Business and Project Manager at 804-365-6459. The link to the contest can be found here. ...read more read less