The call has gone out to the public for nominations for the 11th annual Millicent Business Community Association (MBCA) Excellence in Business Awards.
The identity of the winners will be announced at a gala cabaret at the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre on October 8.
Music will be provided by the Oils Angels tribute band.
The awards will be offered in the categories of Outstanding Business for agricultural / horticultural / viticulture; manufacturing / construction / trades; service; retail, hospitality and business as well as employee of the year and young employee of the year.
An independent judging panel will determine the winners.
Online nominations are acceptable while paper nominations can be submitted at the Millicent Newsagency, Wattle Range Council and the Millicent Visitor Information Centre.
The closing date for nominations is August 28.
As before, the award winners are not decided by a popular vote, however there will be a number of changes this year.
Once nominations have been received, nominees for the MBCA awards will be required to respond on the basis of four criteria.
The criteria are: What are examples of outstanding service for the nominated business / employee? (25%), aspects of good business presentation? (25%), examples of sustainability and innovation? (30%) and is the business a MBCA member? (yes / no).
The arrival of the awards nomination season has been welcomed by local businessman and active community member Matt Cockrum.
His sign-writing business Cocky’s Signs won the category of Outstanding Business in the Manufacturing / Construction / Trades at the 2015 ceremony.
It has been run in association with his wife Tam for the past 14 years.
A year ago, Cocky’s Signs moved into the family firm’s newly-purchased and renovated premises in Davenport Street, Millicent.
According to Mr Cockrum, the annual MBCA awards night is always a social success and offers encouragement to businesses in Millicent.
Mr Cockrum said the awards criteria provide a focus for success in business.
“The nomination process has changed in 2022 and I welcome this,” Mr Cockrum said.
“When you are in business, you have to continuously reflect on what you do for your clients and the community.
“Whatever your business, presentation is important as first impressions count.
“You have to be innovative in what you do as well, as success in business is reliant on customer satisfaction.”
