CHANDLER — As the Chandler Brownsboro Area Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations for its annual Citizen of the Year award, Chairman Dennis Mack said officials want to consider "hidden" candidates who may not otherwise receive such recognition.

"What we're looking for is someone who can follow in others' footsteps of being a pillar — even if it's a hidden pillar — to the community who we can recognize for their efforts to improve the basic way of life in our area," Mack said. "And we need nominations, obviously."

Jerry and Alice Kidd won the 2009 award. They own Kidd-Jones Oil Company, which operates several convenience stores in the area.

"People know about their business, but he and his wife put a lot into the public library here and into other things people don't know about," Mack said.

"We try to recognize each year those who have contributed more than just money to the community. We want people who set an example for others."

A committee reviews the nominations, and the award recipient is honored during the chamber's banquet, set this year for Feb. 11 at the Chandler Community Center.

Last year's selection process included six nominations, Mack said. The deadline for this year's submissions is Jan. 15.

During the 2010 banquet, chamber officials will also recognize their firefighters of the year, police officers of the year, and educator of the year.