Northern Essex Community College has been nominated for a Merrimack Valley Magazine Milestone Award in the category “50 Years in Business.” This new category was added by the magazine to recognize businesses and nonprofits that have survived in a challenging economy while providing consistently excellent service to the community.

Parties interested in voting for Northern Essex can fill out a ballot online at mvmag.net/mvma. The college is listed under section 7, “Milestone Awards,” on item 46.

NECC was established in 1961 as the fourth community college in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. For a closer look at its history as a pillar of the Merrimack Valley area, check out the timeline on the website.