The nomination period for the STAR Awards opened up to the public on Wednesday, January 2, 2013. The categories are: Business-Neighborhood Partnership, Community Partner, Difference Maker, Good Neighbor, Neighborhood Leadership, Neighborhood of the Year, Neighborhood-Community Building, and Rising Star. Nominations are being accepted from now until February 25 online at www.ci.champaign.il.us/star or by using the nomination forms located in Neighborhood Services and in the front foyer of the City of Champaign Building. Colleen Madera, STAR Awards/Expo coordinator, sent an email blast to about 500 recipients (neighborhood groups, schools, non-profits, former nominators/nominees, and other organizations) announcing the opening of the nomination period last week. One of our ongoing STAR partners, WCIA, is assisting to help promote the STAR Awards by showcasing it on CI Living on Wednesday, January 23rd at 4:30 pm and on their Morning Shows within the next week or two. The STAR Awards/Expo will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2013 from 5:30-9:00 at the Hilton Garden Inn. For more information, contact Colleen Madera in Neighborhood Services at 403-7070.