The Chamber of Commerce of Newtown and Newtown Rotary Club are currently accepting nominations for the 12th Annual Business of the Year Awards.newtown-ct.com. Nominations will remain open through Monday, February 29.Martini Madness Slatedacanfield@jantris.com or visit  martinimadnessct.com.

The Chamber and Rotary will be celebrating the achievements of four local companies that have consistently displayed excellence in the way they serve their customers and how they support Newtown. Nominations and voting for these companies are sought from members of the community.

The four categories businesses will be recognized under are: New Business, Longevity, Philanthropy, and Overall Achievement.

The companies receiving the most votes in each category will be honored as Business of the Year and will be given time to tell their story at a 6 pm awards event Monday, March 28, at Newtown Country Club.

Newtown community members are invited to nominate their favorite businesses in each of four categories by visiting

All nominated companies must be actively operating in Newtown to be eligible. Self-nominations are acceptable. However, in the spirit of good competition, the honorees of the 2015 Business of the Year Awards are not eligible to be nominated this year.

Additional criteria for each category are available on the nomination form.

Once the nomination portion is completed, a list of all eligible companies in each category will be published. The community is then invited to vote for the business they feel is most deserving of each honor.

Voting will open on March 1 and will remain open through March 25. A link to vote will be posted on both the Newtown Chamber and Newtown Rotary websites.

Note that each e-mail address can only vote one time.

While all nominees will be given honorable mention, the top three nominees in each category will be highlighted at the awards dinner and ceremony, where one company in each category will be honored as Business of the Year.

"We are excited to honor companies that consistently support and serve our community.  It is through their example of perseverance and leadership our town continues to thrive," says Tim Haas, Newtown Chamber president.

In related news, the Newtown Chamber in partnership with the Monroe Chamber is presenting the third annual Martini Madness Tasting & Competition on Wednesday, April 6, from 6 to 9 pm, at The Waterview of Monroe, 215 Roosevelt Drive (Route 34).

Local restaurants and vendors will send their best mixologists to compete for the title of Best Cocktail. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste a small sample of each cocktail and vote on their favorites.

At the end of the night, the mixologist with the most votes will win a special prize and bragging rights for the best cocktail in Newtown. The full list of mixologists participating in this event will be announced soon.

In addition to the martini tasting, guests can enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a DJ and dance party, and participate in the silent auction. Local professionals have an opportunity to showcase their business by becoming a Top Shelf, Mixer, or Garnish Sponsor.

Advanced tickets go on sale March 1 and are $40 for those participating in the tasting, and $15 for designated drivers. Ticket costs will increase at the door.

This event is 21+ only. Designated drivers are invited to take part in the festivities, but not the tasting. Attendees are encouraged to drink responsibly.

To become a sponsor or silent auction donor, contact Alyssa Canfield at