The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of “Albany Under 40,” an awards program that honors and celebrates the Albany Area’s emerging leaders and professionals. The new program recognizes professionals in a variety of industries, each representing a component of the Albany Area’s diversified talentpool and economy.

“The Albany Area is home to young leaders who are making their mark through excellence in their professions, through their innovation and through their commitment to building a stronger region,” said Barbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber. “Albany Under 40 celebrates these professionals and promotes the breadth and scope of the talent that helps make the Albany Area a regional leader.”

Individuals may be recognized in these categories: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction; Arts and Entertainment; Civics, Government, and Public Affairs; Culinary Arts, Events, Tourism and Hospitality; Defense & Military Affairs; Energy, Mobility, and Transportation; Financial and Insurance Services; Innovation and Start up; Journalism, Marketing, and Public Relations; Legal; Manufacturing, Logistics & Distribution and Fulfillment Centers; Medicine and Health Care; Nonprofit Service; Real Estate; Sports, Wellness, and Fitness; Technology; and Youth and Education.

Finalists will be considered from among those professionals who are nominated. Nominations may be submitted here. Nominations must be received by June 14, 2018. Nominees will be notified of their nomination and will receive the application materials. Nominee applications must be received by June 29, 2018. Award category winners, selected from among the award category finalists, will be announced at the Albany Under 40 Awards Reception on August 16, 2018. One overall Albany Under 40 award winner, selected from among the category winners, will be announced at the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s 109th annual dinner on January 24, 2019.

Candidates must be under the age of 40 at the time of the award ceremony (August 16, 2018).