Nominations are being accepted for Discovery Bay’s 2011 Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year. Through Nov. 30, residents are invited to name their favorites. Winners will be announced at the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Town dinner on Jan. 21.

“It’s going to be a great event,” said Chamber President Rita Caruso. “We’ll be rolling out our plans for the Chamber for the coming year and the direction we’re taking going forward. It’s going to be a great celebration.”

The seventh annual event will honor not only the town’s Citizen and Business of the Year, but the Byron Union School District’s Teacher of the Year. And for the second time, the prestigious President’s Award will be given to a member of the community.

Due to the success of last year’s live auction, which raised nearly $2,500 for local schools, the auction will once again be a featured component of the evening. “And once again, all proceeds will go toward our local schools,” said Caruso. “We’re looking forward to a wonderful event.”

Votes can be cast online at the chamber website, www.discoverybaychamber.com, or by calling the chamber offices at 925-240-6600. Admission to the State of the Town gala is $60; seating is limited. The semi-formal event begins at 5:30 p.m. and features cocktails, dinner and a silent auction. For tickets or additional information, call 925-240-6600.