Countdown for business awards

Ararat Rural City Council has stepped up its call for businesses from across the municipality to enter East Grampians Business Awards.

Chief executive Tim Harrison said the council was running the awards to recognise excellence in a sector that brought important economic activity and growth to the region.

He said there were five award categories businesses could enter – agribusiness, retail, professional services, tourism and hospitality, and innovation and technology.

“The East Grampians Business Awards are a great opportunity for our region’s businesses to take stock of their achievements and think about where they want to go in future,” he said.

“They aim to recognise achievement and excellence, and applications are open to all businesses within the municipality, whether small or large, rural or Cbd-based.”

Dr Harrison confirmed East Grampians Business Awards followed on from defunct Grampians Pyrenees Business Awards.

“The awards provide businesses in the Ararat municipality with the opportunity to grow, develop and further enhance their business, thus ensuring the awards remain a relevant and important part of our business community,” he said.

“All awards will be judged by an independent panel of judges, who will visit entrants’ businesses to gain a better understanding of their processes and operations.”

The awards program will culminate in the presentation of awards to winners at a special gala dinner function on December 5 at the Ararat Town Hall.

People seeking details, entry guidelines and an entry form can visit website www.ararat. vic.gov.au and follow links.