Nominations are now being accepted for the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance’s annual Catalyst Award.

The award is presented at the Growth Alliance’s annual dinner, which will be held on March 2 at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites.

Nominations will be due Feb. 13 at noon.

Jill Nelson, community development director for the Growth Alliance, said there are a number of criteria for the award.

One of them is that they must be a member of the Growth Alliance. Nelson said they can either be an individual member or be employed by a member.

They also must be an active and visible leader who is a catalyst for implementing actions that enhance the economic and civic environment of the community.

Nelson added the nominee must consistently demonstrate excellence in their profession and community service, as well as contribute exemplary time and effort to promoting community spirit and civic pride.

“The award itself honors an individual in our community and recognizes them for their highest level of accomplishments, both in their place of business and the community,” Nelson said.

Last year’s winner was Scott McQueen.

Nelson said in previous years, the award alternated between a male and female recipient, but that practice no longer exists.

“The award goes to the most qualified person,” she said.

Once all the nominations are received, a committee made up of past winners and business leaders scores each application individually and has discussions to determine the recipient.

Nelson stressed the entire process is confidential.

“The conversations are very professional,” she said. “It’s very important to the Growth Alliance and the committee that the integrity of the award is maintained.”

Those who want to nominate someone for the Catalyst Award are asked to visit the Growth Alliance’s website and click on news and events. Nelson said a nomination form can be found there.