MANSFIELD -- Fifteen nominations were received by the Richland Community Development Group for the 2016 annual Economic Excellence Awards. The awardees will be announced on Tuesday evening, May 3rd at the RCDG reception.The ceremony will recognize business, individual(s) or organizational achievement in distinct areas: Business Excellence, Economic Impact, Investing in Our Future and Distinguished Performance.“We’re so pleased to again recognize those who contribute so much to our community,” stated Dan DeVille, Area Manager for FirstEnergy and RCDG Executive Board Chair. “The event will have a unique addition this year. Student artwork will be featured as table centerpieces, and the drummers will perform from NECIC R.O.A.R as our ceremony opens.”Criteria for the respective RCDG Economic Excellence Award nominations included:Business Excellence AwardBusinesses may be nominated based on a number of criteria including but not limited to: employment growth, capital investment, product development, system/process innovation, and civic involvement.Businesses from all sectors are eligible, including but not limited to: manufacturing, tourism, health care, logistics, service/retail, and agriculture. Nominees include The Kroger Company, Rex's Landscaping and Construction, Hamilton Insurance Group, Inc., OhioHealth, Warren Rupp, Inc. and Bankz Salon.Economic Impact AwardRecognizes public sector/non-profit entities for their significant efforts in supporting economic development in Richland County.Nominees include Braintree Business Development Center, the Little Buckeye Children's Museum, Downtown Mansfield, Inc., and The Richland Area Chamber of Commerce.The award ceremony will be held at the Holiday Inn- Mansfield on Tuesday May 3 with a 5:30 p.m. kick-off reception. Reservations for the event are required. Please call RCDG at 419-755-7234.