NOMINATIONS are now open for this year\u2019s Bendigo Business Excellence Awards.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Be.Bendigo CEO Rob Herbert said the gala night will bring the business community together, but people will have different reasons to celebrate.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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\u2019s been a tough period,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen there\u2019s businesses who have really thrived through this environment and have also got some great stories to tell.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think everyone is looking forward to coming together and recognising everyone\u2019s contribution to make the business community a better and stronger place.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s awards feature a new category, called Community Minded, which \u201cfocuses on businesses that went above and beyond for their communities during the pandemic.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThinka has spoken about what it meant to their business, and they\u2019ve continued their trajectory to raise their profile and grow their footprint,\u201d Mr Herbert said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n