THE Sunshine Coast Business Awards has achieved another significant milestone in its 25th anniversary year, signing up two Platinum partners as sponsors of the region’s most prestigious awards.
Visit Sunshine Coast has signed on this year as a Major Partner, joining the Sunshine Coast Council at Platinum level.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Simon Latchford said the decision to support the Awards was very timely.
“This year is significant, as not only are the Sunshine Coast Business Awards celebrating 25 years, but they will be held the same week as the 2019 Queensland Tourism Awards, the Indigenous Tourism Forum and annual Destination Q Forum right here on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Latchford said.
“Combined, these events will bring the state’s best tourism operators to the region and is an opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on the innovative businesses we have here on the Sunshine Coast.
“The tourism industry contributes $3.3 billion to the Sunshine Coast economy and as one of the pillars of the local economy we directly or indirectly support so many businesses across the Coast.
“Competition in the tourism sector is intense, so it is critical that we foster a culture of excellence, and by supporting awards such as this – we hope to send a message that on the Sunshine Coast we welcome and reward the best of the best,” he said.
Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, Jennifer Swaine, said it is a truly momentous year for everyone involved – especially local business owners ready to share their stories and leadership.
“The quality and innovative outlook of nominating businesses is impressive and each year gathers momentum; we expect to again break records this year for the number and variety of businesses who step forward to be acknowledged for their contribution to our robust local economy,” Ms Swaine said.
“It’s important for the Awards to have the support of outstanding regional leaders like Visit Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Council, backing this program, as it sends a unified message that we are all in this together, across the many businesses and industries we have.”
Sunshine Coast Council is also pleased to be a Platinum sponsor and partner in the Awards.
“Sunshine Coast Council has been a partner of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards since their inception, and a platinum sponsor for the past nine years,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Council’s support for award and recognition programs such as the Business Awards helps to raise awareness of our region on a wider stage and it is part of Council’s commitments under the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy.”
“I’d encourage all local businesses to consider nominating their business for the awards,” he said.
“I would like to congratulate the Sunshine Coast Business Awards on their 25th Anniversary year and welcome Visit Sunshine Coast as a Platinum Sponsor.”
About the Sunshine Coast Business Awards
Nominations for this year’s Sunshine Coast Business Awards will officially open on 29 May and are a celebration and recognition of the efforts and achievements of the Coast’s business community.
They are the region’s most prestigious awards and provide a pathway for local businesses into state and national awards.
Any business throughout the region can enter across 15 industry categories via an online application. The community can also nominate a business to encourage them to enter.
Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, Jennifer Swaine said the awards present the chance for leading businesses and owners to achieve local and industry recognition.
“The awards are about celebration of hard work, effort, teamwork and coming together to recognise others; for 25 years we have been highlighting and acknowledging the Coast’s very best business leaders and this is a great year to apply or be nominated,” she said.
“There is a category for every type of business, regardless of size, and we want to encourage as many businesses from across the region to enter as possible.”
The awards include a major award for Business of the Year and the prestigious Hall of Fame of repeat winners from small and large business.
Applications will open on May 29 for businesses that have been operating on the Sunshine Coast for 12 months or more. Entry to the awards is free and significant support is provided throughout the Application process.
The Sunshine Coast Business Awards is the region’s longest established awards program for business.
Awards fast facts:
• SCBA is open to all Sunshine Coast and Noosa businesses that have been operating within the region for 12 months or more.
• Businesses can enter the SCBA with an online application at www.sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au
• The Application period will be open from 29 May to 26 August.
• Finalists will be announced 24 September.
• Finalists will be invited to an exclusive Media Masterclass and Cocktail Reception to be held on 26 October.
• Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 9 November at Novotel Twin Waters.
Information about the awards and all categories is available online at www.sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au