Dubbo Chamber of Commerce and Industry today announced “Flying High” as the theme for the 2013 Rhino Awards, with Orana Mutual as the new naming rights sponsor.
Chamber President, Andrew Toole has invited the local business community to celebrate success, business excellence and the “high” future that the Chamber believes lies ahead for Dubbo.
A highlight of this year’s awards is the addition of five new categories: Exporter of the Year; Excellence in Business Ethics; Young Entrepreneur and Young Business Executive(for 18 – 35 year olds); and Excellence in Small Business.
Mr Toole said these categories recognised the changing nature of local business and would allow many of the winners in this year’s awards to qualify for recognition at the NSW Business Chamber’s regional awards in 2014.
“The Chamber has recognised that local businesses are keeping up with national and international trends,” Mr Toole said.
“There are a lot of businesses based in Dubbo who are very active overseas and we also have young people showing great prospects locally.
“At the same time, the number of small businesses in Dubbo is continuing to grow and we see a lot of evidence that regionally-based business people are among the most ethical operators around.”
Eight of the 20 categories in the 2013 Orana Mutual Rhino Awards are aligned to the NSW Business Chamber Awards, giving eligible winners automatic entry into the 2014 Central Business Awards.
“After being named 2012 NSW Chamber of the Year, Dubbo Chamber recognised the benefits of aligning more than half of our awards with the statewide awards program.
“This will give local businesses recognition at a regional level and the chance to shine on the NSW stage.”
Mr Toole said Chamber was also delighted to welcome Orana Mutual as naming rights sponsor of the 2013 Rhino Awards. A keen supporter of local business and community events, Orana Mutual is another regional success story of recent years.
CEO of Orana Mutual, Kevin Dupé said the Rhino Awards provided the credit union with a chance to recognise excellence in business at the local level and to support the businesses that were helping it grow.
“Orana Mutual is proud to be able to support the Rhino Awards and to recognise the success and excellence of regionally-based businesses,” Mr Dupé said.
“As a regionally-based financial institution, local decision making and community involvement are important to us and we know the key elements that help business head towards a high future.
“We are keen to encourage the business community and the public to think about the businesses and individuals that are flying high and to enter them in the awards so they gain the recognition they deserve.”
The winners of the 19th annual Rhino Awards will be announced at a gala presentation evening on Friday 18 October.
Nominations are open until 23/5/2013, with a nominees information night to be held on 30 May 2013. Entries will close on 24 June 2013, with the winners being announced at a Gala night to be held on Friday, 18 October 2013.
Nomination forms can be downloaded from Chamber’s website: www.dubbochamber.com.au.
An information session for awards nominees will be held at Dubbo RSL on Wednesday 30 May to explain the entry process and outline what the judges will be looking for.
Orana Mutual 2013 Rhino Awards Categories
Exporter of the Year* Sponsored by QantaslinkExcellence in Customer Service Sponsored by Inland Petroleum
Employer of Choice * Sponsored by Western College
Excellence in Hospitality Sponsored by Midwest Foods
Excellence in Innovation* Sponsored by Viatek
Employee/Apprenticeship/Trainee of the Year Sponsored by Australian Business
Excellence in Business Ethics* Sponsored by Dubbo RSL Memorial Club
Excellence in Products and Services Sponsorship is available
Young Entrepreneur* Sponsored by Dubbo City Council
Young Business Executive* Sponsored by Dubbo City Council
Excellence in Work Health and Safety Sponsored by WorkCover NSW
Excellence in Small Business* Sponsored by WHK
Excellence in Sustainability* Sponsorship is available
Excellence in Presentation and Marketing Sponsorship is available
Best New Business Sponsored by WIN Television
Jean Emile Serisier Roll of Honour* Sponsored by Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Awards by Public Vote:
People’s Choice Award Sponsored by 2DU Zoo FM
Service with a Smile Award Sponsored by Daily Liberal
Dubbo’s Best Tradie Sponsored by the Mailbox Shopper
*Eligible winners in these categories will be automatically entered into the 2014 Central Business Awards.
Service with a Smile Award Sponsored by Daily Liberal
Dubbo’s Best Tradie Sponsored by the Mailbox Shopper
*Eligible winners in these categories will be automatically entered into the 2014 Central Business Awards.
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Media Enquiries: Andrew Toole, Chamber President, 0428 820 787