MEMBERS of the Millicent business sector will literally be kicking up their heels on Saturday night.
Hundreds will don their finery and flock to the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre to salute the achievements of numerous businesses and individuals.
It will be the eighth consecutive year the Millicent Business Community Association will give out its outstanding business awards.
There have been an impressive 170 nominations across the seven categories.
The awards were judged by an independent panel comprising three community members – Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast’s Paul Mullan, TAFE’s Trudi Jones and Wattle Range Council chief executive Ben Gower.
Other high points of the presentation night will be the announcement of the community spirit award and the newest entry into the MBCA Hall of Fame.
The community spirit award began in 2015 as a way of recognising businesses which undertake generous and kind acts.
It is sponsored each year by Foster’s Foodland in memory of family patriarch “Bob” Foster.
Wattle Range Mayor Peter Gandolfi donates the hall of fame award.
Among the 16 sponsors of the function is The South Eastern Times.
MBCA secretary Marg Chapple said everything was taking shape for the gala presentation night.
She said MBCA chairman Lee Morgan would be welcoming the guests and the highlights of the night included the awards, supper from eight MBCA member businesses and dancing to the sounds of Juicy-X.
“It really is the social night of the year for the business community,” Ms Chapple said.
“It is a great opportunity for networking and socialising.
“People do get excited about winning an MBCA award and this gives the awards credibility.
“We are pleased to have Juicy-X playing as they have such a wide repertoire.
“Everyone just cannot sit down and they really play to the crowd.”
People wanting tickets can call into the Alternate Life shop in George Street as some are still available.”
She said the presentation night would start earlier than past years at 6.30pm to have everyone seated by 7pm.
Among those who will be awaiting the judges’ verdict is Melissa Armfield, who has operated the Shearer’s Cook Cafe since November.
“It is an exciting time,” said Ms Armfield, who is nominated in the hospitality and tourism category.
“We have done hard work with our renovations.”
Her Kentish Place establishment is one of the caterers of the supper and it has shown its community spirit in another way.
The Shearer’s Cook Café is currently donating 50 cents from every cup of coffee it sells to the Buy-a-Bale drought relief appeal.
Neighbouring business Foster’s Foodland is a past winner of the retail category and proprietor Brian Foster is pleased the store has been nominated again, along with a number of employees.
Employee Karen Robinson has worked at Foster’s Foodland for the past five years and has been nominated again.
“I love my job because of the people I work with,” she said.
