The deadline for making nominations for the inaugural The Peorian of the Year award has been extended to January 13, 2012. Sponsored by The Peorian, the award will be awarded in April 2012 to a person who is playing an important role in Peoria’s present while paving the way for a bright future. Along with the award, a $10,000 donation will be made to a local non-profit organization selected by the winner. Nominations are being accepted online at ThePeorian.com/award

“We created this award to celebrate those who are making a difference not only in the lives of others, but in our community as a whole,” said Julie Russell, The Peorian publisher.

Finalists will be selected by The Peorian editorial board and featured online, in the magazine and on The Peorian on TV. Community voting will take place from March 1 through March 31, 2011. The winner will be announced at the annual The Peorian of the Year luncheon to be held in April. The luncheon will feature a nationally prominent speaker as host. Details and rules can be found at ThePeorian.com.

The Peorian is a magazine focusing on Peoria’s past, present and future in a way no local publication has done before. It is published six times a year, while its website features daily and weekly updates. Along with its print and web counterparts, there also is The Peorian on TV, a weekly half-hour TV show hosted by Paul Gordon and airing on WHOI on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. The Peorian is edited by Gordon and features writers Peter Couri, Kevin Kizer and Cathi Hawkinson.