Nominations open for leadership awards in Oneida County

The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for two leadership awards to be presented at its annual Leadership Oneida County graduation ceremony.

The Mel Davidson Leadership award and the Leadership Oneida County Outstanding Alumni award will be presented to two outstanding individuals who exhibit leadership and commitment to Oneida County.

The Outstanding Alumni award recognizes Leadership Oneida County alumni who is continuing to develop their leadership presence in the county and who have used their experiences in the program to further their service to the county.

The Mel Davidson Leadership award recognizes any person in Oneida County that shows outstanding leadership and service within the county — nominees do not necessarily have to have previous history with the Leadership Oneida County program. The inaugural Leadership Oneida County Award was presented to Mel Davidson for his many years of service to Oneida County in 2011 and has carried his name since.

“Mel was a true believer in the necessity of actively cultivating leadership in our local communities,” said Lauren Sackett, CEO of the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce. “As such, he was a founding member of the Leadership Oneida County program. The award recognizes Mel’s legacy in service, demonstrating how the actions of on can have a positive impact on many for years to come.”

Nomination forms for both awards are available online at www.rhinelanderchamber.com. Nominations may also be sent directly to [email protected]. Nominations should be outline the nominee’s leadership activities in Oneida County, any previous involvement with the Leadership Oneida County program, and comments on why the nominee is deserving of the award. Nominations are due by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23. 

The Leadership Oneida County Steering Committee will select the 2025 award winners after reviewing all nominations. The award winners and the 2024-25 class of Leadership Oneida County will be recognized at the Leadership Oneida County graduation ceremony on May 8. 

Leadership Oneida County is a nine-month program that cultivates and prepares leaders within Oneida County. By completing the program, candidates obtain an enhanced awareness of services and organizations within Oneida County, and have a reinvigorated sense of civic responsibility and involvement.