The 2009 Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year will either be owners of an Italian pizzeria/restaurant, a small business consultant or financial adviser.

Candidates for the Chamber’s prestigious annual award are Carolyn and Anthony Redendo, Redendo’s Pizzeria & Pasta; Mike Tyler of Anchor Business Consulting, LLC; and Doug Schmidt of Legacy Asset Management, Inc.

Schmidt is the current Chamber chair.

Carolyn Redendo and Mike Tyler tied for 2008 Advocate of the Year. Dr. Matthew Hummel has served as Business Person of the Year.

Chamber CEO and President Frank Ferrara said the membership will vote at the Dec. 17 meeting. The breakfast will begin at 6:30 a.m., followed by the program at 7 a.m., at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club.

Voting also will take place for Advocate of the Year and Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year.

Finalists for Advocate of the Year are Jean Linzer, Lois Grate and Beverly Belury.

Nominees for Non-Profit of the Year are Fountain Hills Community Foundation, Fountain Hills Cultural & Civic Association and Kiwanis Club of Fountain Hills. Four Peaks Women’s Club was Non-Profit Organization of the Year.

The nomination process reflects an eligibility change this year, said Ferrara. For the past six years, members of the Chamber board of directors were not eligible for the awards.

“After careful consideration, we decided this was an impediment to good people and unfair,” said Ferrara. The one consistent requirement for nominees was Chamber membership for at least five years.

Schmidt has served in the past as chair of the gala committee. Because of his nomination, Ferrara is replacing him in the role.

Winners will be announced at the 23rd annual black-tie optional gala Saturday, Jan. 16, at Rio Verde Country Club. The evening will begin with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and awards at 7:30 p.m. The Gadabouts will play music for dancing until 11 p.m.

Tickets are $70 and will be limited to 150 guests. Jean Yanish in the Chamber office is handling ticket sales. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber Web site at www.fountainhillschamber.com, and click on the Chamber gala tab.

For more information, call the Chamber at 837-1654, ext. 223.