Awards highlight

TRADERS and retailers can now get their entries in for the shire’s annual business awards.
The Cardinia Business Awards, sponsored by the Star News Group, publisher of the Gazette, aim to celebrate the achievements of local businesses.
Entries for 11 categories open in mid-February.
The 2008 Business of the Year award winner was Red Gem Growers and Packers.
The company’s general manager Robert Cerchiaro encouraged businesses to enter the 2009 awards.
“A very important outcome of the business awards is the opportunity for businesses to use the application process as a tool to see if business plans are on track and gauge the success of those outcomes,” he said.
“The awards were a great opportunity to showcase our business to the community, who are ultimately our customers.”
The council’s economic development officer Phil Jackson said it was the fifth year of the Cardinia Business Awards. He said with the current economic conditions, the council would be placing extra emphasis on encouraging local businesses to reflect on their achievements.
“It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and important place of local businesses in our community,” he added.
“They provide local employment, goods and services and often support community activities as well.
“Every business in the shire that has been operating for more than 12 months is eligible to enter. Judging is conducted by an independent panel of experts.”
Entries for Cardinia’s Business Awards close on Tuesday 14 April. The award winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in May.
For more information and to download nomination forms visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/business, or contact the shire’s economic development unit on 1300 787 624.