The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has created a new business event to celebrate the successes of women leaders in central Arkansas.

The Women in Business Awards honor individuals in the Conway area who have excelled in leadership and community service and who have inspired others on both a personal and professional level. The inaugural awards luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, and will take place in the Student Center Ballroom on the University of Central Arkansas campus.

Brad Lacy, president and CEO of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, said although a large number of Chamber members are women-owned enterprises, there has not been an event focused exclusively on the achievements of local businesswomen.

“The Chamber is happy to fill that void,” he said. “We have assembled a strong and diverse committee to help ensure this event is successful.”

At the Women in Business event, five individuals will receive the “Outstanding Woman in Business Award.” Those selected will embody high standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment to their respective organizations, industries and to the business community.

Of the five recipients, one will receive the prestigious “Diamond Achievement Award.” This award recognizes an individual who has inspired and empowered many generations of women and who has had a positive impact on those in her profession and in the community.

The Chamber is accepting nominations for the awards now through Friday, Sept. 21. A panel of Chamber executives outside the state of Arkansas will select the award recipients.

To submit nominations, visit ConwayArkansas.org and click on the Women in Business icon. For questions about the awards or the call for nominations, contact Lindsay Wygal, vice president of member services, at 501-932-5403 or at Lindsay@ConwayArkansas.org.