2022 Award Programs

Senator Kevin Thomas is seeking nominees for the 2022 New York State Commendation Award, honoring exceptional individuals who have made a difference in our community. 

Commendation Award recipients are people who devote their personal time, energy, creativity and expertise to others.  They also are leaders in their community who enrich the social, health and educational well-being of their fellow citizens. To view some past winners from across the state, click here.  

The Senator will consider nominees who meet any of the following criteria:

• Outstanding Volunteers: An individual who has dedicated their time and talent to make a significant volunteer contribution to improve the community.
• Community Leaders: Individuals who demonstrate an exemplary level of leadership and community engagement to positively impact the quality of life on Long Island. 
• Dedicated Philanthropists: An individual with a proven record of exceptional generosity through their own financial support, generosity of spirit, and civic responsibility that sets a leadership example encouraging others to take philanthropic roles in the local community.
• Outstanding Youth: Local high school seniors who believe in and strive for a sense of community, a giving spirit, compassion and a willingness to assist those in need. 
• Selfless Heroes: Individuals who have taken heroic, extraordinary action in service of others. Note: Life-saving actions may qualify an individual to receive a New York State Liberty Medal, the highest award a civilian can receive from the Senate. 

*Please note that Commendation Awards can only be awarded to individuals who live within the Senator's District. Click here to review the address. 

Awardees will be notified of their selection by mail and email. 

Click here to Nominate a Community Member!

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Senator Kevin Thomas invites you to nominate a local business or institution to be considered for recognition from the New York State Senate! 

Every year, Senator Kevin Thomas honors a select few local businesses and organizations that demonstrate unique vision, innovation, volunteerism, philanthropy, and achievement in support of our community. Over the years, the scope of the New York State Empire 'Excellence in Business' Award has grown to acknowledge businesses and organizations that have directly contributed to New York State's economic resilience and success. To view some past winners from across the state, click here. 

Senator Kevin Thomas is seeking nominees for the 2022 New York State 'Excellence in Business' Empire Award. The Senator will consider local businesses who meet any of the following criteria: 

• A Business or Institution That Gives Back: A business whose acts of volunteerism, leadership, philanthropy, and innovation elevate our community and make it a better place for everyone to do business, work, and live.  
• A Family-Owned Small Business: Nominees must serve as a majority owner & operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with at least a 15-year track record that has been passed down through one or more generations.
• A Veteran-Owned Small Business: A business that is at least 51% veteran-owned with a successful track record and a commitment to strengthen veteran-owned businesses within the community.
• A Woman or Minority-Owned Small Business: A business that is at least 51% women-owned with a successful track record and a commitment to strengthen woman-owned businesses within the community or any individual who qualifies as a minority and who owns at least 51% and operates a small business with a 3-year track record and a commitment to strengthen minority-owned businesses in the community.

Please note that Empire 'Business Excellence' Awards can only be awarded to businesses within the Senator's District. Click here to review your business address. 

Awardees will be notified of their selection by mail and email. 

Click here to nominate a local business!