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LOCAL businesses old and new, high-tech and low-tech, are competing in the 27th CGU Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards, with the finalists announced on Tuesday.
The categories range from manufacturing to e-commerce, creative industries and emerging business.
Several companies and organisations are up for more than one award, but Karden Disability Support Foundation is leading the not-for-profit sector, up for training and governance gongs.
“Valuing people is the key to success, and making sure you have clear culture and values,” Karden chief executive officer Karen McCraw said.
“We’re in an environment with not a lot of growth, but we’ve got a clear mission and know what we’re doing.”
Ms McCraw said Karden had expanded 1000 per cent since its foundation eight years ago.
Commerce Ballarat chairman Andrew Rowan said the success of Ballarat businesses in a sometimes tough economic environment was a testament to their hard work and good ideas.
“Businesses that take the time to grow and excel will reap the rewards and overcome any wider economic concerns,” he said.
“We encourage business owners to apply for awards like this because through the application process they can focus on what they do well. It’s like doing a business plan.”
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on August 28.
THE FINALISTS
Haymes Paint Family Business Award
Ferndale Confectionery
Coronet Breakfast and Lunch Bar
Bohan Cleaning Services
Harwood Andrews Small Business Award
The Athletes Foot Ballarat
Proven Resume Results
Cyclescape
Regional Development Australia – Grampians Staff Training and Development Award
Karden Disability Support
Simplex Insurance
Ballarat Bearings
City of Ballarat Restaurants, Cafes and Pubs Award
The Forge Pizzeria
The Western Hotel
Mitchell Harris Wines
Power FM B2B Business to Ballarat Award
Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments
Sovereign Press
Ballarat Bearings
The Courier New and Emerging Business Award
Rubilicious Wax and Beauty Bar
Rococo Hair Lounge
Le Chic Beauty Lounge
Remingtons Insurance Brokers Creative Industries Award
Michelle Dunn Photography
Miss Mao Mao
The Crafty Squirrel
Ballarat Technology Park – Federation University Australia Innovation Award
Argus Connecting Care
PRD nationwide
Viatek
Central Highlands Water Trade Business Award
LaTrobe Street Mega Meats
Laser Electrical Ballarat
TAGBUILD
CGU Insurance Community and Government Award
Ballarat YMCA
Karden Disability Support
Highlands LLEN
The WIN Network Customer Service Award
Beacon Lighting
Telstra Stores Ballarat and Wendouree
Cyclescape
Ballarat Lodge and Convention Centre Professional Service Award
OAMPS Insurance Brokers
Yellow Brick Road Ballarat
Simplex Insurance
Powercor Australia Manufacturing Award
Sovereign Press
Ferndale Confectionery
Plinius Engineering
Ballarat Regional Tourism Special Events and Attractions Award
Rural Lifestyle Expo
Ballarat Rotary Swap Meet
Ballarat SpringFest
Nova Pharmacy Health and Wellbeing Award
Lake Health Group
Creswick Pharmacy
SafetyLink
Ballarat Business School – Federation University Australia E-Commerce and Online Award
Blossom Connect
Loreto College Ballarat
Fernwood Fitness Ballarat