THE countdown to the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce 2018 Outstanding Business Awards is well under way with the prestigious event to be staged this week.
A highlight of the awards will be guest speaker AFL football legend Kevin Sheedy, who is widely known as a visionary and inspirational figure.
The prominent business accolades will be announced at The Barn on Friday, October 19, which is the city’s most prominent and long running yearly business event.
These awards include outstanding employee, young business person as well as retailer of the year.
Chamber president Lynette Martin OAM said the awards would be tightly contested and would showcase the city’s expansive and successful business sector.
Ms Martin said there were more than 100 nominations spread over 11 categories, including 40 for the employee of the year award.
“I urge everybody, whether they are members of the chamber or not, to grab a ticket for the gala event, which has been running in Mount Gambier for more than 20 years,” Ms Martin said.
“The awards night is shaping up to be a great event with the chamber securing Kevin Sheedy as the guest speaker – it is a great coup to get someone of his calibre to come to Mount Gambier.”
She said the event was also a key networking event for the city’s business sector.
“Not only do we celebrate the success of our business sector, but it a great opportunity to mingle with other business operators,” Ms Martin said.
“These awards honour individuals and businesses, big or small, who have contributed to Mount Gambier’s business fabric.
“I am incredibly proud of the city’s business sector with many at the top of their fields in terms of innovation, customer service and achievements.”
She said the awards were also a great marketing tool for the winners given they threw the spotlight on their businesses.
The business leader also called on avid AFL supporters to come along and enjoy not only the awards, but guest speaker Mr Sheedy.
“It will be a great opportunity to get an up close and personal insight into his life,” Ms Martin said.
While his on-field achievements are numerous, she said Mr Sheedy has also been a significant personality off the field.
“Mr Sheedy is a “thinker and visionary” and will be awe-inspiring.
In particular, the iconic football identity has a personal interest in regional centres and is already familiar with the Blue Lake city.
The awards will also include the Hall of Fame new inductees, which are presented to businesses that have been operating under the same name for more than 30 years.
Iconic long running businesses Baxter Hire, Ferrers Medical Clinic and accountancy firm Galpins will be honoured and celebrated at the awards.
Collectively, these business have been operating in Mount Gambier for nearly 200 years.
The awards sections also include young business leader of the year, new business, small business, service business, agribusiness, environment/sustainability, building/manufacturing, innovation, tourism/accommodation and hospitality.
Tickets are available at Sticky Tickets and the event includes a three course meal and pre-dinner entertainment by the talented Lizzie Coke.
