Which business do you think is the best in Rotorua?
It is now time to have your say by nominating worthy firms for the 2012 Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards.
Nominations for the awards opened on February 1 and the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce is encouraging people to put businesses forward for the six business categories of the annual awards.
The nomination period precedes the official entry period, when businesses complete the rigorous entry process, and is aimed at getting more businesses involved. The most nominated firms are then invited to enter.
In 2011, the nomination process saw Oppies Fish and Chips enter for the first time and go on to win the retail award.
Owner Michael Huang told The Daily Post he was aware of the awards, but had not thought of entering until nominated by members of the public.
But chamber chief executive Roger Gordon said the awards process was about more than winning. As well as recognising the top businesses in the city, it also provided valuable feedback to entrants.
"Entering the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards is all about a journey, a process of looking critically at your business. Many companies enter the awards in successive years, learning each time from the process and the feedback they receive from the judges."
While the entry process can be quite arduous, many past winners interviewed by The Daily Post said it was a very constructive way for them to objectively look at their own businesses and the comments made by the judging panel have given them fresh ideas of ways to improve their companies, as well as confirming areas where they were doing well.
The 2011 supreme Westpac Business of the Year winner Salon St Bruno was a category winner the previous year and owner Hilda Dufty said that success had helped the salon achieve at an even higher level the following year.
"We knew we had already been successful and I think we went into the awards showing that confidence."
Gordon said a successful entry also brought media and publicity opportunities for finalists and winners that extended "well beyond the time commitment to prepare the entry".
Nomination forms can be submitted by individuals or organisations until March 30, using the forms printed in The Daily Post or on the business awards page at www.rotoruachamber.co.nz. The most nominated organisations are then invited to enter and awards are opened up for self entry from Monday, April 2.
Winners will be announced at the gala presentation event on Friday, October 5.
Award categories open for nomination
Jo La Grouw Memorial Award for manufacturing and trade
The Daily Post/Rotorua Visitor Guide Award for hospitality and attractions
Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings retail award
Unison Award for service providers
Newstalk ZB Award for community organisations
Rotorua District Council Award for emerging businesses
Finalists from these six categories are then put forward for the Westpac Business of the Year title.
Nominations are also being taken for the distinction awards: NZCU Employee of the Year, Waiariki Institute of Technology Apprentice of the Year, Rotorua Trust Community Service Award, TrustPower Customer Service Award