Celebrating Ballarat’s business best

MORE-than six-hundred-and-fifty members of the Ballarat business community have celebrated their achievements at the Federation University Commence Ballarat Business Excellence Awards.

The event, held at the Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre last Thursday night, highlighted the finalists and their delivery of high quality products and services.

CEO of Commerce Ballarat, Jodie Gillett said it was great to see enterprises like Federation University Business of the Year Chris Packer & Associates supporting local.

“Their moto is investing back into the community they’re in,” said Ms Gillett.

“What we heard all night was businesses saying, ;let’s support each other, let’s be there for each other, let’s buy from each other,’ and nothing can make me happier.”

Despite challenging economic conditions, Ms Gillett said it’s essential to celebrate the positive aspects of business.

“The business environment has been so incredibly difficult for the last four years so any time we can lift them up just a little bit and tell them, you’re doing an amazing thing,’ is important,” she said.

“Even for the people who aren’t here tonight, they will see the winners and finalists and they’ll feel lifted up as well and that’s what we need to do at the moment.

“We need to make our businesses know how important they are to us.”

Ms Gillett encouraged other local businesses who may feel inspired to apply for the awards next year.

“It’s not just about this night we’re having here, it’s about the process you go through, it’s about looking at your businesses plan, looking at your back end,” she said.

“That’s really important now when business is tough and then you get to come here and feel part of a community.”