Nominations for the 2015 Navigator Awards, which annually honor Steamboat Springs’ outstanding business, business leader and young professional of the year, are now being accepted.

The awards are presented by the Steamboat Today and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, and winners will be recognized Friday, Nov. 6 at Strings Music Pavilion during the 108th annual Chamber meeting and Navigator Awards celebration.

Last year, Yampa Valley Medical Center, celebrating its 100th anniversary, was recognized as Business of the Year. Ed McArthur, owner of Native Excavating, was honored as Business Person of the Year, and Sarah Fox, vice president of Fox Construction, was tapped as Young Professional of the Year.

Any Steamboat Chamber member in good standing is eligible for the Business of the Year award. Business owners or general managers employed by Steamboat Chamber members are eligible for the Business Person of the Year award, and the Young Professional of the Year award is open to any young business leader in the Steamboat Springs community or surrounding area.

Navigator Awards criteria include:

■ Is actively involved in community projects that enrich the Steamboat Springs economy and community.

■ Fosters a work atmosphere which encourages and supports employee development.

■ Possesses a progressive management philosophy.

■ Exhibits leadership among Steamboat businesses.

■ Demonstrates positive support of business community.

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Sept. 30. To nominate an individual or business, visit navigatorawards.com.

Visual arts center accepts membership applications

The Steamboat Springs Center for Visual Arts is accepting local artist applications for membership for its upcoming 2015-16 season, which begins Tuesday, Dec. 1. The nonprofit organization operates a non-juried, cooperative artist gallery at 837 Lincoln Ave., where artists at various stages of development can benefit from a collaborative, supportive membership and professional staff. Space is limited. Contact Executive Director Linda Laughlin at 970-846-5970 or linda@steamboatartcenter.com or visit the artist member information section at steamboatartcenter.com for more information.

Local election forum held Oct. 15, open to public

An election forum hosted by the Steamboat Springs Board of Realtors, the Routt County Democratic and Republican parties and the Steamboat Today will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 at The Steamboat Grand.

The annual forum will start with a meet-and-greet followed by a Q&A session with local candidates at 5:45 p.m. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available prior to the start of the forum.

Steamboat Today Editor Lisa Schlichtman will moderate the Q&A session with candidates for the Steamboat Springs City Council and Steamboat Springs School Board. Local ballot issues, including the school district’s bond issue and mill levy override, will also be debated.

Questions will not be accepted from the audience during the forum, but questions are being accepted in advance of the event. These can be emailed to lschlichtman@SteamboatToday.com.