Nominations open

Nominations open this week for the Porirua Business Awards.

The awards, run by the Porirua Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Westpac, will be held at Te Rauparaha Arena on November 22.

The Chamber’s executive director Holly Thompson says as well as toasting achievement in business in the city, it is a prime networking function.

‘‘It’s great for the finalists and our sponsors but we need to be acknowledging people and organisations that are both making profit and growing.

‘‘You can celebrate wild success in the good years, but in the current economic environment I think it’s important to recognise those that are steady, or growing and adapting. So many of these small business people could be earning a salary somewhere else but they are taking risks.’’

To that end, the business awards will feature a micro-business category for the first time, which is aimed at the high number of Porirua companies that have just one or two employees.

There will also be an inaugural large business award, for those that employ 25 or more staff.

All up there are 12 categories including the award for best young employee.

Go to www.poriruachamber.co.nz to download an entry form for the business awards. Nominations close October 5.