Picture: SANDRA MORELLO
THE Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce 2017 Outstanding Business Awards will be tightly contested with around 60 businesses vying for a string of prestigious accolades.
Considered the premier event on Mount Gambier’s business calendar, the awards will be announced at a gala event at The Barn next week.
More than 25 people will also be in the running for the prominent employee of the year accolade, while six talented people will contest the new young business person of the year award.
The major regional business event will not only throw the spotlight on the Mount Gambier district’s buoyant and diverse business sector, but is a key networking event for business operators.
The chamber is a vital grassroots business organisation and is the city’s only independent voice regarding commerce issues.
Chamber president Lynette Martin encouraged people to attend the awards on Friday, October 13, even if they were not nominated for an award.
“It is a great opportunity for people to network with their peers in the city’s business fraternity,” Ms Martin said.
“We would love to see representatives from all businesses there.”
The awards event honours individuals and businesses big and small, new and established, who have driven production and innovation and contributed to the economic and employment landscape.
The business leader said the small business sector underpinned thousands of jobs in the Mount Gambier district and its vitality was important for the city’s future.
“We have some great business operators and employees who go to work every day displaying passion, innovation and commitment,” she said.
“It is important to celebrate this.”
Ms Martin congratulated all the businesses that were in the running for an award or nominated through the award process.
Importantly, the awards will also shine a light on three hall of fame inductees, which have a long history of operating in the Blue Lake city.
Hawkins Medical Clinic, Eddies Furniture and D.J. Interiors will be celebrated at the event.
The chamber has secured high-profile keynote speaker Sean Keenihan, who is the chair of the SA Tourism Commission.
“Mr Keenihan is a prominent South Australian business identity,” Ms Martin said.
“I am sure it will give a great insight into benefits and opportunities of the state’s tourism sector.”
Ms Martin said Mr Keenihan’s address would be fascinating given the joint effort and vision to grow Mount Gambier’s tourism and business economy.
She said the newly-formed group Tourism Mount Gambier – which has been set up under the umbrella of the chamber – is making major inroads into developing a vision and tools to grow the city’s tourism sector.
This includes the launch of its new website recently, which showcases the city’s vibrant tourism sector.
Mr Keenihan has extensive international engagement experience, with a focus on international competitiveness and a commitment to job creation in South Australia.
He is a recognised opinion leader around Australia’s engagement with China with a particular focus on South Australia’s economic transformation through improved trade and investment dealings with China.
The awards event – which will have 10 categories – is expected to attract more than 400 people.
The National Australia Bank will again be the major sponsor of the event.
Tickets are $58 – which includes a three course meal – and can be purchased online at Sticky Tickets.
