EIT is returning as a sponsor of the Westpac Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, with the creation of a new category for the not-for-profit sector.
Marketing director Brenda Chapman said EIT's ongoing support of business in the region and the growing prestige of the business awards were two ofthe main reasons for rejoining the fold.
"The awards are recognised as the premier awards in Hawke's Bay and we were keen to become a sponsor again," Ms Chapman said.
"EIT has a strong business school and we support business vibrancy in the region."
The not-for-profit category recognises excellence in the sector, such as charitable trusts.
Ms Chapman says EIT will support the chamber in identifying businesses that could enter the category, while looking forward to organisations that enter themselves.
"There's many fine examples of organisations that work in this sector including many under the radar, so it will be great to see them come forward and be recognised."
Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce chief executive Murray Douglas said those in the not-for-profit sector didn't get the recognition they deserved as they worked tirelessly and in most cases on tight budgets.
"Not-for-profit businesses are good examples of working for the good of the community with restraints on overheads to maximise revenue for a good cause.
EIT Not for Profit Award is one of six specialist categories in this year's awards, including Workfit Healthy Workplace Award, Hawke's Bay Regional Council Business Innovation Award, Xplore.net Online Award, Export Hawke's Bay Exporter of the Year Award and Te Puni Kokiri Maori Business Excellence Award.
Nominations are open for all categories, including four general categories which are eligible for the overall Hawke's Bay Today Business of the Year Award.
The awards will be officially launched at the National Aquarium in Napier on July 5. Finalists will be announced on September 7 and the winners at the awards ceremony and gala dinner on November 3 at the Hawke's Bay Opera House.
