Darrin Walsh: Business awards celebrate 25 years

Darrin Walsh

Last week the 2015 Westpac Business Excellence Awards were launched.

This is a big year for the awards as 2015 marks the event's 25th anniversary. We have come a long way since the inception in 1991.

While the gala dinner probably bears no resemblance to the 1991 version the principles are still the same - celebrating and showcasing business excellence in Rotorua.

So what changes will you see this year? There aren't too many other than:

- Apprentice of the Year category has been withdrawn - apprentices can still be entered but will fall within the Employee of the Year category.

- Emerging Young Leader of The Year category will return. This category will recognise the rising star of the Rotorua Business Community.

The recipient will be within the age of 18-40 and hold a position within industry.

They will have made a significant contribution through leadership and innovation and their involvement is extended through the wider community.

Why should you enter the Westpac Business Excellence Awards? There are many reasons why you should enter your business.

- It provides a great opportunity for you to completely review your business, systems and procedures. It will give you a better understanding of your business.

- It will provide you with great feedback from the judges which again will allow you to review and adopt some changes.

- With both items one and two it will allow you to grow your business.

- If nothing else it is a great way to promote and showcase your business.

- If you are lucky enough to win a particular category or the supreme award then with that comes the bragging rights. The ability to utilise the "winner" logo on all letterhead etc.

The categories this year are:

- Manufacturing and Trade.

- Retail.

- Hospitality and Attractions.

- Service Provider.

- Community Organisation.

- Emerging Business (less than two years of operation).

- Employee of the Year.

- Emerging Young Leader Of The Year.

- Social Responsibility

- Customer Service.

The social responsibility award recognises businesses that make a significant contribution to our community outside their core business activity.

Many businesses these days adopt a social responsibility policy and give back to the communities they operate in. This award recognises these contributions and give your business a chance to showcase this.

Entries forms are on our website. I encourage all businesses to enter and help us celebrate 25 years of business excellence in Rotorua.

- Darrin Walsh is chief executive of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce.