Orange Dog took out the Supreme Award at the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Business Awards last year. Photo: Tim Cuff.

Local business awards now open

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Applications are now open for the annual Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

The awards were established 31 years ago by the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce to celebrate businesses in the local community.

Chamber chief executive Ali Boswijk says that, win or lose, past entrants always describe the awards process as very worthwhile.

“One thing we consistently hear from entrants is that they really value the opportunity to work on their business. We know that for many people, the day-to-day can become all consuming, but equally taking the time to review and strategise is vital to business development and growth. The awards provide a framework for this to happen.”

There are several categories that organisations can enter – Emerging, Small, Medium or Large business. A supreme winner is then decided from these category winners. Two other categories include Clever Business Award and the Community Impact Award.

Last year, a new category was added which provides the opportunity for people to choose the winner by public vote. These are Business Person of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year. Nominations are accepted by members of the community and five finalists are subsequently selected and then voted for by the public. Last year’s winners were Pic Picot and Benjamin Clark respectively.

“This has proven to be a great addition to the awards and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the entrepreneurial individuals behind some of our most successful and emerging businesses,” Ali says.

Judges this year are Meg Matthews, Lester Binns, Euan McIntosh, Jonny Hendriksen, and Alan Dunn.

Lester says applicants should explain “what makes your business awesome:”.

“Use the entry to tell the story of your business. Don’t focus on hitting word limits or overly worry about what to write. Tell us what you are proud of and what makes your business awesome.”

To enter the Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards or nominate a business person, go to: www.commerce.org. nz. Winners will be announced at the awards gala dinner on Friday, November 1.

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