It was announced on Wednesday that the DeKalb County Chamber Parnership that the finalists for the 2019 "Duesy Awards" have been named. Each year the DeKalb Chamber Partnership recognizes area businesses, leaders, and educators with the DeKalb Awards for Excellence in Business Community and Education. The Duesy's are a series of 8 awards designed to recognize those going above and beyond in our community. The unique, the innovative, the passionate, the givers, the doers. The Duesy's are a prestigious honor.

One winner from each award will be announced at the Chamber’s Duesy Awards presented by Color Master on Thursday, November 14th. This event will take place at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum from 5:30 – 8:00 PM and will feature Taste of DeKalb, a silent auction, cash bar, and live music. Attendees will walk into a Hollywood awards night with sights and sounds of the 1920’s. The Chamber extends a special thanks to Steel Dynamics and Color Master for their crucial support in bringing this event to fruition. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at dekalbchamberpartnership.com or by calling the office at 260-925-2100.

In the category of "Educator of the Year" the finalists for the 2019 Duesy’s are: Piper Placencia, Chad Sutton, and Tina Bassett

In the Education Award, the finalists are: Garrett High School Career Development Team, and Lakewood Park Christian School.
In the category of Young Professional of the Year: Sam Grate, Allie Campbell, Jennifer Gibson

In the category of Seasoned Professional of the Year: Doug Lockwood, Mike Boswell, and Brian Cole.

In the category of Nonprofit of the Year: United Way DeKalb County, DeKalb Community Impact Corporation, YMCA DeKalb County

In the category of Small Business of the Year: Byler Lane Winery, Skatin Station, Classic City Tattoo

And Business of the Year, the nominees were: Carlex, Paragon Steel, Beacon Credit Union, Allen Graber Citizenship Award, Tena Woenker, Chris Straw, and Mandy Haynes.