Lismore celebrates excellence in business

THE LISMORE Business Excellence Awards have finally returned after a long hiatus. After pandemic disruptions and the 2022 floods, the first local in-person awards since 2019 will celebrate local business excellence, innovation, and resilience on Saturday, August 10.

The awards at the Lismore Turf Club will recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of businesses from a pool of 70 entrants that have persevered through challenges, embraced opportunities, and contributed to the growth and prosperity of the Lismore region.

Secretary of Business Lismore Felicity Hyde told this masthead that the awards were a meaningful way to recognise local businesses and their achievements over a highly challenging period.

“We are extremely excited to gather and celebrate business in Lismore after some tough years in the region,” Ms Hyde said.

“The judging is almost completed, and we would love for more businesses to join us in celebrating. Anyone from the 2480 can join us; you don’t already have to be a member.”

Andrew Du from Nine NBN will MC the evening, and special guest John Heinke, CEO of Salary Packaging Australia, will announce the Business of the Year award at the formal affair.

Ms Hyde said the road to business recovery is different, and some recover more quickly than others.

“It’s important to remember it’s not a race, and it will take time before Lismore completely recovers. I believe that business owners are starting to feel more positive about the recovery from the 2022 disasters and COVID implications before that,” she said.

“Lismore is such an eclectic place, and businesses have too many distinctive traits to mention, but creativity and resilience are right up there. We are fortunate to have so many who have entered the awards on their return.”

Business Lismore also hosts a Business After Hours event on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

“We aim to give our members a voice, and we are in constant communication with local government about issues that arise for our members and the business community,” Ms Hyde said.

Tickets for the awards night include a drink on arrival, canapes, dinner and dessert by Secret Chef Catering, and entertainment from the ever-upbeat SuperCheeze.

Sales close on August 7 and can be purchased at www.lismorechamber.com.au/history/2024-business-excellence-awards