The Eden Business and Community Awards are just around the corner, ready to celebrate and recognise the hard work and success of Eden’s growing businesses.
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Eden Chamber of Commerce president Jenny Robb is excited for the awards which also give businesses the opportunity to learn about each others successful practices.
“It is smart business practice to look at those competitors who are growing and follow the lead to grow your own business – as they say a rising tide lifts all boats.”
Ms Robb encouraged businesses to apply, especially in the excellence in business category where the winner will have the opportunity to progress to a regional level.
“This category is special because businesses actually nominate themselves, the previous winner progressed on and ended up winning the regional awards.
“We are encouraging as many businesses as possible to enter, purely because the entry process itself gives you a chance to reflect on how you are progressing yourself as a business,” she said.
Eden business owner Helen Barnes self-nominated her retail store to the excellence in business category as well as receiving a nomination in the customer service category. Ms Barnes has a background in bookkeeping and decided she was looking for a change, with support from her close family and friends she opened her business called Supply Central.
“A lot of businesses were starting up as coffee shops and gift shops, everyone was aiming for the tourist market, so I thought we needed something to help the locals live here,” she said.
As an Eden resident of 29 years, Ms Barnes saw the need for a diverse range of in-store supplies, from bicycle parts to domestic pet supplies, livestock and horse supplies as well as picture framing.
“I tried to think of things that people need so that they didn’t have to drive out of town,” she said.
She is proud of her old style customer service values and feels honoured to be part of the awards.
“I feel honoured and blessed with this business, it is a success but it took me a long time to realise,” she said.
Nominations for this year’s awards remain open until July 23 and the gala awards night will take place at the Seahorse Inn, Boydtown on August 11. With the awards receiving a record number of nominations, tickets for the gala event will sell out quickly. Purchase tickets online at www.oureden.com.au.
