Nominations Are Now Open For The Inaugural Awards Celebrating Businesses Across The Clare And Gilbert Valleys
From your favourite café to the local tradie who’s always there when you need them, the businesses that keep the Clare and Gilbert Valleys ticking are about to receive some long-overdue recognition.
The newly rebranded Valleys Business Network is inviting locals to nominate the businesses they believe deserve a well-earned pat on the back as nominations open for its first-ever Business Awards.
Formerly known as the Clare Valley Business & Tourism Association, the organisation rebranded earlier this year as the Valleys Business Network, broadening its focus to better connect and support businesses across the Clare and Gilbert Valleys.
Valleys Business Network Chairperson Steven Brown said the awards were about celebrating the people behind local businesses.
Celebrating The Businesses Behind The Valleys
“This is about celebrating the people who make our towns what they are,” he said.
“We’ve got some fantastic businesses doing brilliant things across this region, and a lot of them never get a proper pat on the back. These awards are our way of saying well done, and reminding everyone just how much talent and hard work is out here in the Valley.”
Who Can Enter?
The awards are open to businesses of every size and industry, with categories including Café or Restaurant, Retail, Professional Services, Tourism, Community Service or Club, along with a People’s Choice Award that will be decided by public vote.
Businesses don’t need to be members of the Valleys Business Network to take part. Any business that’s been trading in the Clare and Gilbert Valleys for at least six months is eligible to be nominated.
Mr Brown said he hoped businesses from every town across the region would get behind the initiative.
“This isn’t a competition between businesses,” he said.
“It’s a chance for the whole community to get behind the people who make the Valley what it is. We want every town, every trade, and every business owner to feel like this is for them.”
What’s Next?
The awards build on a busy year for the Valleys Business Network, which has been working to reconnect local businesses through networking events, a new website, an online business directory and social media following its rebrand.
Nominations are open throughout July through the Valleys Business Network website. A local judging panel will review entries before finalists are announced in early September, while the People’s Choice winner will be decided by community vote.
Winners will be celebrated at an awards evening on September 18, with the venue to be announced.
For more information or to nominate a business, visit valleysbusiness.com.au.
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