2013 Nashville Emerging Leader Awards finalists introduced

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville have announced the finalists for the 2013 Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELAs).

The NELAs program is designed to recognize middle Tennessee’s young professionals under the age of 40 for significant accomplishments in their chosen field, as well as their commitment and contribution to the community.

“We are excited to announce the finalists for the 2013 NELAs,” said Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Ralph Schulz. “These young professionals possess strong leadership skills, and they apply these for the benefit of the community and Nashville’s future prosperity.”

The seventh annual NELAs recognize five young professionals in each of the 15 industry classifications who are excelling in their careers and making a difference in the Nashville area. These 15 industry categories include: Architecture, Engineering and Construction; Arts, Entertainment and Music Business; Business Services; Community Service and Nonprofit; Education; Environment and Sustainability; Financial Services; Government and Public Affairs; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Resources; Legal Services; Medical and Health Care Services; Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing; Real Estate Services; and Technology.

A committee comprised of a diverse group of community leaders and experts within each industry selected these finalists based on their answers to essay questions; level of professional achievement; demonstrated leadership; and community impact.

YP Nashville will host a ‘Meet the NELAs Finalists’ networking event Thursday, June 27 at the Bridge Building. Visit <www.nashvillechamber.com/calendar> for more information.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 1, sponsored by Lipscomb University College of Business, Regions, Mère Bulles, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, MissionPoint Health Partners, Tractor Supply Co. and Tennessean Media Group. Visit <www.thenelas.com> for more information and for a description of each industry.

The NELAs program also includes the YP Nashville Impact Award, which honors a business leader who has made a significant impact on the young professional demographic in terms of community leadership and professional development of Nashville’s YPs and YP organizations. The 2013 Impact Award Winner is John Grady with Crush Management. Grady will be honored with the NELAs finalists and winners at the NELAs ceremony on August 1.

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