Business awards take on save water message

Ballarat’s prestigious Business Awards will target even more businesses this year with more categories giving more businesses the opportunity to shine.

Sponsored by CGU and hosted by Commerce Ballarat, the CGU Commerce Ballarat Business Awards acknowledge and celebrate the important role business plays in the city’s social and economic structure.

With stringent water restrictions impacting on Ballarat businesses, Commerce Ballarat has embraced the need to protect the city’s water supply by introducing a new overall category to this year’s Awards.
Sponsored by Central Highlands Water, the Smart Water Management Award will include all nominated businesses. This Award gives applicants the opportunity to show how they are contributing to the region’s water conservation campaign and thus protecting this valuable resource.

At today’s launch of the 2007 Business Awards at Stockland Wendouree, Commerce Ballarat chairman Paul Stephens said the Smart Water Management Award and the growing number of general categories meant even more businesses would be recognised for their innovation and excellence.

He encouraged residents and businesses to nominate organisations they considered worthy of such high esteem.

“It is only right that we should admire and acknowledge businesses that, through their commitment and energy, are prepared to meet the many challenges of today’s business world.”

CGU, Regional and Rural Insurance Ballarat, Territory Manager Peter Dean said he was delighted that CGU was again associated with the CGU Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards.
“This is our 19th consecutive year as the naming-rights sponsor – an association of which we are extremely proud,” Mr Dean said.

“CGU is committed to supporting local communities through many avenues. By sponsoring these Business Awards we aim to ensure Ballarat business is always striving for great heights.”
The categories in this year’s Business Awards are:

N.B.: All entrants will automatically be entered into the Smart Water Management Award with all winners considered for the CGU Overall Winner Award.

Nomination forms are available at participating businesses, from Commerce Ballarat, Dawson St Sth, Ballarat, or online at www.commerceballarat.com.au. Completed forms should be sent to event managers of the 2007 CGU Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards, Premier PR, Level 1, 110 Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat 3350, submitted on line at www.commerceballarat.com.au or faxed to 5331 3673.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, June 29. Winners will be announced at a gala presentation dinner to be held at Doherty Ballarat Lodge on Thursday, August 30. Featuring the Scared Weird Little Guys this evening will be a night of celebration and acknowledgement.