Entries open for chamber business awards
Entries for the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are now open and the chamber said all aspiring businesses and individuals should submit their online entries before midday July 1.
The awards were set up to celebrate the success of Waikato businesses and entry is open to all businesses and individuals within the region, including those who aren’t chamber members.
The winners will be celebrated at a gala dinner in November, which is said to be the biggest yet.
In a statement, chamber CEO Don Good said the business awards had grown substantially over the past few years and the gala dinner was always a sell-out.
“This year we’ll be hosting the gala dinner at Globox Arena at Claudelands where we can easily host 700 people, possibly more if need be,” he said.
Last year more than 600 people attended.
There had been some changes to the categories this year, said chamber marketing and events manager Rebecca Aston.
The “for purpose” and “community contribution” categories that weren’t eligible for the supreme award in the past will be made eligible this year.
To help entrants, the chamber will host both online and in-person drop-in sessions in the next two months.
Entrants will receive detailed feedback from the judges’ assessment, which can then be used to grow, develop and improve their business, the chamber said.
The judging team of more than 30 Waikato business leaders, headed by Dr Heather Connolly will review each application before selecting who will progress to stage two.
Stage two involves a two-hour site visit with judges asking questions about the application and the business.
Finalists will then be selected and announced in September, with the winners of each category announced at the gala dinner in November.
Good said he was always impressed by Waikato’s pioneering, high-performance business spirit that shone through in the awards.
“The awards are an opportunity for businesses to increase their exposure, and receive professional insights and recommendations on their strategy,” he said.
For more information about entering the awards, to register to attend the drop-in sessions, or to purchase tickets to the gala dinner visit waikatochamber.co.nz/waikatobusiness-awards. The website also features a new tool to help businesses decide which categories to enter.