Businesses Encouraged to Support Commerce Awards

Gold Coast, Thursday July 23, 2009 - To highlight exceptional local business and non-profit trailblazers located in the southern Gold Coast region, the Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual Business Awards breakfast on September 3, 2009 from 7 am at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

While some businesses experienced a rocky start to 2009 thanks to the global financial crisis, commerce on the southern Gold Coast as a whole faired quite well with many businesses excelling in the challenging conditions. The Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce President, Darren Mackintosh, feels that this warrants a celebration of local business achievement. “The Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce holds an annual awards ceremony to identify and publicly reward innovative businesses and non profit organisations within the southern Gold Coast region that usually receive no formal recognition for their dedication and service to the local community. In these challenging times this is especially important, as the entire business fraternity can benefit by following the examples set by our local high achievers. The awards are extremely motivating for all involved,” he said.

The public are welcome to nominate outstanding local businesses in the southern Gold Coast, or businesses can nominate themselves. The Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce welcomes business award entries from members located anywhere in the Southern Gold Coast area, as well as non member businesses in the region spanning from Tallebudgera in the north to Tugun in the south and encompassing the suburbs of Palm Beach, Currumbin, Currumbin Waters & Elanora. The awards are proudly supported by leading local Gold Coast businesses and groups including Currumbin RSL, Coldwell Banker Palm Beach, Inology and Connecting Southern Gold Coast. There are a limited number of sponsorship opportunities still available.

Businesses thinking of entering the competition are encouraged to act quickly; nominations close August 14, 2009.

Mr. Mackintosh feels there are a myriad of reasons why local businesses should get involved and nominate their own business. “Previous winners have often told me the thrill in just entering the awards is it makes them stop for a few minutes and look at what they have achieved over the prior twelve months. Quite often when running a business we don’t take time to stop and evaluate our performance and be proud of what we have achieved. Just entering the awards is great for staff morale and interest,” he said. Mackintosh also points out the rewards for businesses involved with the awards are plentiful. “Regardless of whether they win, all nominated businesses walk away with satisfaction that they have gained recognition amongst their business peers. The awards offer a great opportunity to network with other businesses from within this region, and previous experience has shown that this relationship building has helped many grow their business. And, of course, in addition to media exposure, all participants receive a certificate while the winners receive a beautiful trophy, both of which look great displayed in your workplace for all staff and your customers to see. And finally, it’s free to be involved!” he said.

2009 Award Categories include:

· Under 25 Business Achiever Award

· Business Achiever Award: 5 Employees or Less

· Business Achiever Award: 6-30 Employees

· Business Achiever Award: 30-plus Employees

· Business Achiever Award: Home-based Business

· Business Achiever Award: Non Profit/Community Organisation

· Business Achiever Award: Product or Service Innovation

· Special Achievement Award: Business or Individual

Winners will be announced at a gala breakfast awards ceremony to be held at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on September 3, 2009, from 7 am. All welcome, bookings are essential.

Nominations and awards ceremony bookings can be made online at www.creektocreekchamber.org.au or by calling Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce Secretary 0415310193.