3-A SSI Opens Nominations for 2025 Volunteer Service Awards

3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. (3-A SSI) is now accepting nominations for its prestigious 2025 Volunteer Service Awards, celebrating the individuals who drive innovation and excellence in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical product safety standards. These annual awards recognize the outstanding contributions of volunteers whose dedication and expertise help shape the future of sanitary standards and practices.

"The strength of 3-A SSI lies in its volunteer network," says the Chair, John Kunz. "Their commitment to forging consensus on standards and practices is essential to enhancing product safety for consumers across multiple industries."

Three Distinguished Categories

The Leadership Service Award  honors individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to 3-A SSI's standards development process. Winners of this award typically demonstrate exceptional leadership in activities such as establishing new working groups, revitalizing dormant initiatives, or accelerating standards development cycles.

The Richard K. Smith Advancement Award , named after one of 3-A SSI's most dedicated contributors, recognizes outstanding accomplishments that elevate the organization's mission. Recipients may be honored for advancing the recognition of 3-A standards in regulations, influencing public policy, or fostering appreciation among key stakeholder groups.

The Next Generation Award  spotlights rising stars who have been involved with 3-A SSI for less than five years. This award celebrates emerging leaders who bring fresh perspectives and energy to the standards development process while demonstrating remarkable vision and dedication.

How to Submit a Nomination

Nominations are open to representatives from industry, government, academia, and consumer organizations within the 3-A SSI voluntary consensus community. The nomination process is straightforward:

- Complete the official nomination form with detailed information about the candidate's accomplishments

- Leadership Service Award Nomination Form

- Richard K. Smith Advancement Award Nomination Form

- Next Generation Award Nomination Form

- Provide specific examples that demonstrate how the nominee meets the award criteria

- Submit the completed form to mb@3-a.org by March 28, 2025

Key considerations for nominators:

- Only one nominee per form is permitted

- Nominations must include detailed descriptions of accomplishments

- Submissions remain valid for one year but can be resubmitted for up to three consecutive years and must be made within seven years of the nominee's initial service to 3-A SSI

Winners will be announced and honored during the 3-A SSI’s Summit on Hygienic Design on May 6-8, 2025, at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare. Their achievements will also be celebrated through the 3-A SSI website and news releases.

Recognition of this caliber not only honors individual excellence but also inspires continued innovation in sanitary standards development. Consider nominating a colleague whose contributions have made a lasting impact on 3-A SSI's mission of enhancing product safety through voluntary standards and practices.

For more information or to obtain a nomination form, contact the 3-A SSI Executive Director at mb@3-a.org.