The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for its first annual “Hiring Our Heroes” award that will honor members of the business community that have taken leadership roles in employing military veterans or their spouses. NJ CAR is joining with NADA to support and promote this initiative. There are five award categories:1) Veteran and Military Spouse Employment (General Award)2) Veteran and Military Spouse Employment (Small Business Award)3) Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance4) Providing Employment or Internships for Post 9-11 Veterans5) Women Veteran Employment. Award finalists and winners will be recognized at the Chamber’s 4th Annual “Hiring our Heroes” Event and Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C., on November 10, 2011. To be eligible for the award, a dealership must currently employ at least one person who is a veteran. The brief nomination form, which is available online, must be completed and submitted before noon, Friday, September 23, 2011. For questions or more information, e-mail [email protected]. The nomination form is available at: http://nationalchamberfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/hiring-our-heroes-nomination-form/. In a related effort, NADA is looking to gather stories that detail how dealerships are helping our veterans. Documenting the hiring of veterans at dealerships will help emphasize the fact that dealers are an integral part of the economic viability of military communities. With the positive stories in hand, NADA will create a “story bank” that can be tapped as needed. Please send stories to David Hyatt, NADA Vice President of Public Affairs, at [email protected] or 703.821.7120.