Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award Returns to Syracuse for Second Year

Syracuse, NY (May 19, 2014) - Direct Energy and Syracuse Media Group are proud to announce the launch of the 2nd annual Syracuse Volunteer Citizen of the Year award program. Nominations are now being accepted and are open to residents in Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga, Tompkins, Cortland and Oneida counties of Central New York. Nominations will close on Sunday, June 29, 2014.

The Volunteer Citizen of the Year award program recognizes the significant efforts of individuals who make their communities a better place to live. The award itself consists of:

• $5,000 cash grant to the winner?s 501(c)(3) accredited nonprofit organization of choice in their respective community
• recognition of the winner?s achievement through a commemorative award

First introduced in Alberta, Canada in 2005, the Volunteer Citizen of the Year award has been honoring volunteerism for eight successful years. Direct Energy has since expanded its Volunteer Citizen of the Year award program to the U.S. and now has programs in 11 U.S. cities. Last year, the Syracuse program honored Meg Bogosian, a longtime volunteer for Francis House, a non-denominational home that provides comfort, love, and support to those with terminal illnesses.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the Volunteer Citizen of the Year award program to Central New York again," said Chris Charbonneau, commercial director for Direct Energy. "We already know that Central New York is full of volunteers that give their heart and soul to others so I encourage everyone to take some time and nominate someone to help us find our second winner."

Individuals can either nominate themselves or be nominated by another individual or group. Nominations should be no longer than 750 words and must detail the specific contributions the individual or group has made to improve the community through volunteer service. The nomination must also profile the 501(c)(3) accredited nonprofit organization and how it would use the $5,000 donation from Direct Energy.

"We see this partnership with Direct Energy as a wonderful opportunity to recognize the efforts of Central New Yorkers who unselfishly share their time and talents to help those in need, and we invite our readers to nominate volunteers worthy of this honor and monetary award," said Tim Kennedy, president of Syracuse Media Group.

Online nomination forms must be submitted by Sunday, June 29, 2014 at 11:59 pm EST. Mail in entry forms must be postmarked by Saturday, June 28th. A selection committee from Direct Energy and Syracuse Media Group will review the submissions, and the winner will be announced in July. Complete rules, the official nomination form and all other information are available online at www.DirectEnergyVCOY.com.

For further information, please contact:
Andrea Romo
Direct Energy
andrea.romo@directenergy.com
412-334-9510