3-A Sanitary Standards Inc. (3-A SSI) said it is accepting nominations for its 2019 Volunteer Service Awards program to recognize the extraordinary dedication and commitment of individuals who contribute to the development of voluntary standards and the mission of 3-A SSI. The three annual awards constitute a highly visible and significant form of recognition for the outstanding service of individuals to the advancement of 3-A SSI. 

The 3-A SSI awards include:

• The Leadership Service Award, which is presented to an individual or group demonstrating a record of significant contribution to 3-A SSI voluntary standards development and outstanding service in enabling 3-A SSI to attain its objectives. Accomplishments may include leading a major new activity, reducing the cycle time of development, revitalizing a “dormant” activity or other outstanding service.
• The 3-A SSI Advancement Award, which honors outstanding accomplishments performed by any individual or group on behalf of 3-A SSI — for example, advancing the use or industry recognition of 3-A Sanitary Standards or 3-A Accepted Practices.
• The Next Generation Award, which honors an individual who has been engaged in 3-A SSI standards development activities for fewer than five years and has demonstrated leadership, dedication and significant contributions to the development of 3-A Sanitary Standards or 3-A Accepted Practices. 

“3-A SSI relies on a network of engaged and committed volunteers to forge consensus on the voluntary standards and practices,” said Tim Rugh, 3-A SSI executive director. “We should all recognize the immense contribution they make to this organization and to the goal of advancing public health.”

Names of previous award winners are maintained on the 3-A SSI web site under “About Us, Honors and Awards” at www.3-a.org/About-Us/Honors-and-Awards.

More details about the new program and a nomination form are available on the 3-A SSI website at www.3-a.org under “News.” The deadline for 2019 nominations is March 29, 2019. Awards will be presented at the 3-A SSI Annual Meeting on May 15, 2019 in Bloomington, Minn., 3-A SSI said.