More local heroes will be recognized and appreciated throughout Tamaqua this spring.

The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the new Hometown Hero banner program for 2020. The program honors any local hometown hero who has provided beneficial service to the Tamaqua area. Heroes may include first responders, organization volunteers, civic leaders, active military, veterans and may be living or deceased. Applications for banners and photo release forms can be picked up at the chamber office or can be found on the web at tamaqua.net.

“The Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again offer this program to our residents,” said Jennifer Drake, Tamaqua Chamber board president. “It is important to recognize the contributions and sacrifices that our hometown heroes and their families have made to make us a better community.”

As in the past, banners will be displayed on available poles throughout downtown Tamaqua. Banners are constructed of heavyweight, outdoor vinyl with slits to minimize wind damage. The chamber cannot guarantee a specific location for placement of any banner. The banners will be displayed for two years.

The chamber cannot guarantee a specific location for placement of any banner.

Digital images are preferred, but should be less than 5 megabytes. Hard copy photos are acceptable. Completed and signed photo release forms are required with photo submission. Banners can be returned to the purchaser at the end of the program. Cost per banner is $200. Cash, check and credit are accepted. Checks should be payable to Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce.

The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Tamaqua Borough, will soon commence the removal and replacement of the current banners along Broad, Mauch Chunk, Center, and Railroad streets. The chamber will begin returning the 2017 banners to their rightful owners on Jan. 20. Banners can be picked up at the chamber office at 37 W. Broad St. during the week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The application and photo submission deadline is March 1, as the target date for banner installation is May 31.

For more information, call 570-668-1880, or email chamber@tamaqua.net.