Young professionals are one of the most important demographic groups in Nashville today and the future of Middle Tennessee. They are the leaders of tomorrow and often the most involved in community organizations.
The Chamber and YP Nashville present the Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELAs) annually to recognize young professionals under the age of 40 who are excelling in their careers and making a difference in the Nashville community. This year, we received more than 400 nominations in 15 different industry classifications, including our newest category, Environment and Sustainability. To find the best and brightest for the sixth year, a total of 75
NELAs finalists were named.
Sixty-seven volunteer judges determined the finalists and award recipients through two rounds of judging throughout March, April and May. The judges include leaders and experts in each industry, as well as previous winners. Each application is judged on the applicant's answers to nine essay questions; letters of recommendation; professional achievement; demonstrated leadership; and community impact.
Being named as a finalist is a high honor and requires these young professionals to have demonstrated outstanding professional, civic and personal accomplishments. All of the NELAs finalists will be recognized later this month at a
networking event with friends, family, colleagues and peers. The winners will be announced at the sixth annual
NELAs ceremony on Thursday, July 26, at Lipscomb University. The Nashville business community is invited to attend both events to recognize the achievements of these young professionals. Visit
www.thenelas.com for more information about the program.