Get ready to shine Lake Macquarie, entries are now open for the 2014 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards. An initiative of the Business Growth Centre, the aim of the awards is to recognise business excellence, celebrate the achievements of local businesses and their contribution to the community.

The official launch, by Lake Macquarie Mayor, Councillor Jodie Harrison, took place on March 5 at a Lake Macquarie Business Breakfast. “We are extremely grateful for the support from the Mayor and Lake Macquarie City Council. This commitment, along with the support of the returning and new sponsors, partners and prize donors makes the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards the premier business event for the year” said Brett Gleeson, Manager of the Business Growth Centre.

There are 14 award categories and three major awards.  The award categories focus on a range of business functionalities including branding & marketing, business systems, exporting, workforce training and development, customer service, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability. Two new categories have been introduced this year which will focus on retail practices and workplace health and safety. 

The three major awards acknowledge the contribution of an individual or business to the Lake Macquarie community, and this year the general public can nominate an individual for the Business Person of the Year or Young Business Person of the Year.

Winners of the 2014 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner on July 12 at Belmont 16s. The prize pool currently exceeds $50,000, all of which has been generously donated by a number of local businesses.

The benefit of entering is multi-faceted says Brett, “These awards give businesses the opportunity to profile themselves and their achievements to the local community. By entering the awards, businesses will have the chance to reflect upon their achievements and the entry process can assist business owners with planning for a positive future. Being chosen as a finalist or winner provides valuable recognition of a business’ accomplishments, and being an Award winner is a profound acknowledgement of market leadership and achievement in business excellence.”

Entries close May 3 and can be submitted online. To enter businesses must be based in or have an operation in the Lake Macquarie LGA and be a ratepayer to Lake Macquarie City Council.  For more information visit www.lmbea.com.au