Maybe you thought to yourself “That person is always there, always helping out. I don't know how they do it. They sure make a difference.”

Well, here's your chance to help them get the recognition they deserve because the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominees for Man and Woman of the Year.

“We all know people who get involved, but maybe you know someone who works behind the scenes,”said Debbye ValVerde, chamber executive director. “If so, we'd like to know about them.”

There are a couple of stipulations. First, only a chamber can nominate someone. So if you have nominee in mind but aren't a member, consider joining. Or, approach a chamber member and seek their endorsement. Second, nominees do not have to be chamber members. In other words, anyone is eligible. Almost. People who hold a political office “should not” be nominated, according to the guidelines used by the chamber.

That still leaves a lot of people eligible to win the two awards, which are handed out at the chamber's annual banquet — set this year for Feb. 5 in the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum.

Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday at the chamber.

“We have forms to fill out and the list of criteria. People can pick them up at the chamber or we can fax or e-mail them if they like,” said ValVerde.

Once the deadline is past, a group of past recipients will be asked to look over the list of nominees and choose a new Man and Woman of the Year.

The chamber is located at 215 W. Third St. To request the forms, or for more information, call 263-7641.

The theme for this year's banquet is Heritage to New Horizons. The Guy Will Zant Band will perform. Tickets will go on sale soon, ValVerde said.