Time to celebrate best in business

NOMINATIONS are now open for this year’s Bendigo Business Excellence Awards.

The awards will be held at an in-person gala for the first time since 2019, with the ceremonies since then impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

Be.Bendigo CEO Rob Herbert said the gala night will bring the business community together, but people will have different reasons to celebrate.

“It might be a celebration of purely being able to navigate their way through all the challenges the last year has held for them and still be able to trade their way out of what’s been a tough period,” he said.

“Then there’s businesses who have really thrived through this environment and have also got some great stories to tell.

“I think everyone is looking forward to coming together and recognising everyone’s contribution to make the business community a better and stronger place.”

This year’s awards feature a new category, called Community Minded, which “focuses on businesses that went above and beyond for their communities during the pandemic.”

There are 13 other categories, including Diverse and Inclusive Workplace, Young and Professional and the top gong, Business of the Year, taken out last year by skill development agency Thinka.

“Thinka has spoken about what it meant to their business, and they’ve continued their trajectory to raise their profile and grow their footprint,” Mr Herbert said.

“It’s a really important platform, one of many, but an important platform for businesses to not only be recognised but also elevate their standing within the business community.”

Nominations are open at bbea.com.au until Sunday, 1 May.