Sixty years after launching Delta's Citizen of the Year Award in 1951, the Delta Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its 2011 Hats Off to Excellence Awards.

Business and community leaders from a wide range of backgrounds have been selected for recognition in five categories. The three finalists in each category are:

. Citizen of the Year Award: Someone who provided extraordinary service to the community of Delta, conducted their life with integrity and who stands out amongst their peers.

Finalists: Carlene Lewall, Jim Stimson and Barbara Wallick.

Lewall is being recognized for her work with the Delta Gymnastics Society, as well as a long list of other community groups, including the Delta Spirit of B.C. Community Committee, Delta Sport Council, KidSport Delta and Operation Red Nose.

Stimson was nominated for his work in the area of substance abuse in the community. He is part of the WellSpring Consulting Group, an organization dedicated to helping employers and unions address the issue of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace, has co-authored a book on the subject and in his spare time acts as president of the Little House Society, a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing education related to substance use, abuse, and addiction, and abstinencebased recovery from addiction.

Wallick, a financial planner and retirement life coach with Envision Financial, has given a tremendous amount of herself to the community, as member of the Delta Chamber Golf Tournament Committee for three years, fundraiser for Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Ladner May Days Parade participant. She serves on the Reach Child and Youth Development Foundation board.

. Volunteer Service Award: Delta resident of any age who has volunteered a great deal of time and efforts to a Delta organization. Finalists: Valerie Easingwood, Steve Grant and Anne Murray.

. Rising Star Award: Somebody who has owned and operated a Delta business for at least one year and under five years, achieved a certain degree of financial stability through business performance and has achieved success and growth potential, been involved in new economic activities, innovation and community activity. Finalists: Yvonne and David Anderson, Sarah Gallop and Lydia Ryall.

. Business of the Year Award: A business that has reached a significant new level, established new technology, broken into a new market or has integrated sustainability into business objectives, strategies, plans and functions. Finalists: West Coast Seeds (Mark MacDonald), Augustine House (Tanya Snow) and Redi-Strip Metal Cleaning (Therese Arseneau).

. Special Events & Tourism Award: A Deltabased tourism business or activity that has delivered a quality product or service, contributing to the image, sustainability and professionalism of Delta, and has demonstrated an effective marketing program and superior ability to successfully satisfy visitor expectations through outstanding service. Finalists: South Delta Jazz Festival (Stephen Robb), Ladner Bandfest (Curt Janzen) and Summerfest (Terry Bremner).

The winners will be announced at the annual Hats Off to Excellence Gala on Friday, Nov. 18 at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn.