To identify and honor West Valley area residents who have a positive effect on the community, educational training firm Leadership West Inc. will accept nominations in four different civic leadership categories until 5 p.m. today.

Recommendations are sought in the categories of Civic Leader of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, Nonprofit Leader of the Year and Alumnus of the Year. Nominees in the first three categories need not be alumni of Leadership West’s nine-month training program, according to the Goodyear-based Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.

"Leadership West's highest goal is to develop and recognize leaders with a civic ownership mindset," event co-chair Cheryl Street said. “These are the leaders who get engaged in civic processes, programs and roles in order to protect and promote the greater good of our community. Those leaders deserve recognition.”

For more information about nomination criteria, visit http://leadershipwest.org/events/annual-awards-banquet/

Winners will be feted at the organization’s annual awards banquet, scheduled for June 2 at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park. For tickets or information about the event, visit http://www.leadershipwest.org  or call 623-498-0828.

From its base in Peoria, Leadership West provides education and training to West Valley residents to enhance and inform their participation in civic activities.