Business Awards Bigger and Better than ever
With new categories, a larger venue and more sponsors than ever before the Hinchinbrook Business Awards 2021 are gearing up to be Chamber’s biggest and best event yet.
As of Monday, May 31 2021 the awards are open for nominations in nine categories that not only celebrate excellence in business, innovation and entrepreneurialism but also recognise employees, apprentices, trainees and businesses that have traded for over 50 years in the same family.
Chamber President Rachael Coco said chamber had taken on feedback after 2019 to improve the already popular event – which sold out in just six days in 2019 – and they were excited to take this year’s awards “to the next level.”
“People really loved the People’s Choice component in 2019 so we’re going to expand public voting to include ‘Excellence in Customer Service’, ‘Best Presented Business’ and potentially other categories” said Ms Coco.
“Due to popular demand, we’ve introduced the ‘Hinchinbrook Apprentice / Trainee of the Year’ award and following COVID-19, which motivated businesses to adapt, diversify and pivot, we also thought it would be great to create a category that celebrates ‘Excellence in Innovation’” she said.
“We’ve really narrowed our focus while expanding our reach by deleting a few of the less popular categories, changing some of the eligibility criteria and introducing new categories so that more businesses and individuals can be nominated and recognised for their excellence.”
A novel “Mystery Shopper” initiative will also be implemented and while the results won’t be publicised, Ms Coco said the information would be invaluable to out-of-town judges and would provide a beneficial snapshot of the good old fashioned customer service that local businesses are famous for.
The all-important awards ceremony will be hosted at the Royal Hotel on Thursday July 29 2021 and chamber is excited to cater to a larger audience as the community turns out to see who will take home the coveted title of ‘Hinchinbrook Business of the Year 2021’.
While the awards are competitive, Ms Coco said the initiative was about “bringing the business community together” while recognising excellence across a range of industries and celebrating the best in the business.
“Any business or individual who is nominated should feel immense pride and anyone who isn’t recognised this time can still enjoy the supportive, positive atmosphere that the awards cultivate” she said.
“We encourage customers, employees and business owners to nominate their favourite businesses, employers and employees and for those who are looking to elevate the profile of their existing or emerging business, you are welcome to nominate your own business.”
“The awards are a great way to promote your own business, recognise your hardest working staff or show your appreciation to your favourite businesses, so please, start nominating now!”
The first stage of the online nomination process takes less than five minutes and the nomination forms can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCCBusinessAwardsWebLink
Nominations close Sunday, June 13 and nominees will be contacted shortly thereafter to complete the second stage of the process.
Categories include:
- Ray White Real Estate Hinchinbrook Apprentice / Trainee of the Year 2021
- Wild Local Prawns Hinchinbrook Employee of the Year 2021
- Herbert River CANEGROWERS Hinchinbrook Employer of the Year 2021
- Wilmar Excellence in Customer Service Award 2021
- Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor’s Heart of Hinchinbrook Community Spirit Award 2021
- Felix Reitano Furniture & Real Estate Excellence in Innovation Award 2021
- Nick Dametto MP Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2021
- Monique’s Sweet Treats Most Inspiring Microbusiness 2021
- Guido’s Panel & Paint Best Presented Business 2021
- NQIB Hinchinbrook Business of the Year 2021
- NQIB Recognising Over 50 Years in Business
Chamber extends its appreciation to the above Award Sponsors for their generosity and recognises the valuable support of Event Sponsors Photo Graphic Artisan, Majestic Café and Ingham Motorcycles & Mowers.
Photo credits: Mostyn Swain from Photo Graphic Artisan.
