Help fill up our hall of fame

As part of this year's Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards, we are seeking nominations for the Northern Advocate Northland Business Hall of Fame.

The objective of the Business Hall of Fame is to celebrate the achievement of people within the Northland business community who have made a significant contribution to the region. Each year a single nominee is inducted into the Hall of Fame. It recognises the contribution the individual has made during their career to their industry and the greater Northland community.

Members of the public can send in nominations for people they believe have made a positive impact on Northland's reputation as a place to live and establish a business. It is not necessary they still operate in Northland or are alive but they do need to have had a strong connection to Northland.

The Northern Advocate and the Northland Chamber of Commerce recognise the efforts of individual business people are vital in keeping our local economy running. Through their individual efforts they risk capital, provide jobs, and oil the wheels of the economy.

Unfortunately the "tall poppy syndrome" is still alive and kicking throughout New Zealand. Business people often go without the recognition they deserve and in some cases receive negative stigma as a result of their achievements.

Many of Northland's prominent business people past and present have played an active role in shaping the region through their commercial enterprises and civic activities.

This is an opportunity for Northlanders to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to making our region a better place.

Previous inductees have been Tom McKay, Michael Hill, Monty Knight and Dave Culham.

If there is someone you believe deserves nominating please forward their details to the chamber along with a short paragraph as to why they should be inducted. Nominations can still be made to the Northland Chamber of Commerce (info@northchamber.co.nz) until September 27.

The inductee will be named during the Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards on October 25.