Awards for locals

By Helen Tatchell

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the best business of them all?
Yes, nominations are now open for the third bi-annual Business Excellence Awards with the Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce to auspice the event.
Locals supporting locals has two major businesses putting their hand up to lead the show; Ballan & District Community Bank Branch and the Moorabool Wind Farm.
David Nickels (BEA Committee Chair) said the awards aim to “help the Moorabool business sector grow, prosper and market the area as an investment destination”.
Moorabool Mayor Cr Paul Tatchell echoed Mr Nickels comments.
“When you are in Moorabool, shop local,” he said.
“In reality we must employ local and shop local. Our future is our kids.”
Cr Tatchell said currently 67 per cent of the local workforce, work outside the shire.
“We need to get this under 50 per cent and this will put us back in business.”
And what advice did Cr Tatchell have for local businesses?
“Don’t use your neighbour as competition; use them as a strategic partner,” he said.
With 11-categories for people to nominate in, the awards have attracted more local sponsors for each of these.
Open to any business within Moorabool, the time to nominate is now with the approaching deadline at midnight on Tuesday 15 July. Applications will then open for those nominated and a gala evening in October at St Anne’s Winery will reveal all.
The idea is to nominate any local business that deserves recognition for their outstanding contribution to the Moorabool Shire community, even your own. Nominations can be done online and only takes 60-seconds to complete.

The 11-categories are:
– Hospitality Business Award
– Home Based & Micro (1-3 Employees) Business Award
– Local Producer Business Award
– Retail Business Award
– Professional Services Business Award
– Community Services Award
– Manufacturing Business Award
– Trade Services Business Award
– Young Achiever Business Award
– Mayors Award – acknowledging an outstanding individual
– Accommodation Business Award

To nominate or for further information go to the website at www.ballanchamberofcommerce.com.au/nominate