Ever find yourself going back to a business, simply because of their outstanding service?
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Now is the time to let everyone know by submitting a nomination for the 2014 Excellence in Eden Business Awards, which are now open.
Eden’s future has never looked so bright, with over $25million worth of upgrades at Snug Cove and the town’s standing as Australia’s number one whale watching destination opening up a range of exciting new tourism opportunities.
To take full advantage of this, customer service must be a priority.
Jointly presented by the Magnet and Eden Chamber of Commerce, the awards represent an opportunity to acknowledge the businesses and individuals who are helping position Eden for this new dawn.
Magnet managing editor Amanda Stroud said six categories make up this year’s awards, headlined by the tourism award.
“The first award is the tourism award, which is about an outstanding customer-focused experience for visitors to Eden,” Mrs Stroud said.
“In 2012, that was taken out by Cat Balou Cruises, who had great recognition recently at the South Coast Tourism Awards, so it will be really interesting to see who takes it out this year.”
Those who give their time to benefit the community will also have their time in spotlight.
“We’ve also got our wonderful volunteer award category, which is open to groups and individuals,” Mrs Stroud said.
“Volunteers are our lifeblood, and they continue to play a very important role with events like cruise ship visits being just one, small example.
“It’s really important to recognise them, and the Eden Killer Whale Museum was successful in that category last time around.”
Young people also represent an important part of the town’s future, and the ‘best trainee or apprentice’ award is one for them to aspire to.
“This award is really about those young people who go the extra mile and are really committed to their trade or apprenticeship,” Mrs Stroud said.
“It’s great that, through the business awards, we can encourage those who will be our future.”
Don’t forget to nominate that person who always makes it a pleasure to shop local either, with the ‘best customer service by an individual’ award always keenly contested.
“The judges will be looking for someone who always goes above and beyond, has marvellous people skills and really understands what it means to be a professional serviceperson,” Mrs Stroud said.
Mrs Stroud also said presentation, a can-do attitude and culture of helpfulness will hold ‘best retail business’ nominees in good stead.
The awards are not limited to retail, with an on-time, on-budget trades or professional services business with a can-do attitude and a professional job sought for the final award.
Eden Chamber of Commerce president Peter Barber said the chance for Eden to “raise the bar” is exciting for the town going forward.
“The purpose of the awards is to promote excellence in all areas of business so that we raise the bar for both residents and visitors,” he said.
“This is one of the areas of focus set out in the Chamber’s constitution, and the awards are a fantastic way to achieve it and give recognition.
“It provides a window of opportunity for businesses to see how they are viewed by customers.
“We’ve got to be ready for the opportunities that are coming our way, or they’ll pass us by and move on to another destination.
“We know from word-of-mouth and social media that when people experience good customer service, they will share it with others.
“Any chance that we have to promote increased visitation to Eden is one we must take.”
Nominations close at 5pm on Monday, November 17 and can be submitted at the Magnet office at 150 Imlay Street – no late entries will be accepted.
To obtain a nomination form, either click here to download a copy, see page two of the Magnet over the next five weeks, or pick up a copy from a local business.
The awards night will be a gala, black tie affair at Jigamy Farm on Saturday, December 6.
“It will be quite different to previous awards presentations, and also gives businesses the opportunity to combine the awards with their Christmas staff parties,” Mrs Stroud said.
“It will be an absolutely fantastic night with some exciting special guests – it will be glittering in all senses of the word.
“We’d very much like to thank our sponsors – Bendigo Bank, Regional Development Australia Far South Coast Branch, John and Jan Aveyard, and East Coast Radio.
“We’re looking forward to announcing our final sponsors in the next few weeks.”