ENTRIES OPEN FOR THE 2021 IMB BANK ILLAWARRA BUSINESS AWARDS
9 June 2021
Today entries open for the 2021 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards, which promises to be bigger than ever and will again celebrate the excellence, diversity and resilience of our region’s business community.
Executive Director of Business Illawarra Adam Zarth said that he and his team were incredibly excited to be announcing the opening of entries for the 2021 awards and welcomed IMB Bank as Principal Sponsor for a sixth consecutive year.
“The IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards is the region’s largest and most prestigious business awards program and present an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate the combined successes of private enterprise across our vibrant and diverse business community,” said Mr Zarth.
“This year’s theme, ‘Blooming in Business’, reflects the many businesses who have found new ways to grow and flourish in light of the challenges presented by the continued global pandemic.”
“Now is the time to start thinking about who has excelled in business, and encourage your friends, family members and colleagues to enter the region’s most prestigious awards program. As ever, the process can be as rewarding as the outcome and allows entrants to share their unique business story with our region’s business leaders as part of the judging process.”
Chief Executive Officer of IMB Bank, Robert Ryan, said that IMB Bank is proud to be a partner and supporter to many exceptional businesses throughout the Illawarra and is pleased to be supporting the Awards for a sixth year running.
“Given the challenges small business has faced over the past 12 months managing through the impacts of the global pandemic, it is important we recognise their resilience and the pivotal role they continue to play in building strong, thriving communities - and the IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards do just that,” said Mr Ryan.
There are 14 categories open for entry that will recognise the achievements of business across a wide range of areas including customer service, tourism, hospitality, workplace culture, innovation, sustainability and export, as well as individual awards for outstanding employees and business leaders. Winners in aligned categories will go through to compete against the best in the State Business Awards hosted by Business NSW.
Business Illawarra is pleased to welcome back Warwick Shanks of KPMG as Auditor of Judges and will also be welcoming a new Ambassador of Judges, with Professor Patricia Davidson, Vice-Chancellor from the University of Wollongong, having kindly agreed to replace outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings CBE.
An annual highlight of the Illawarra business calendar, the 2021 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards gala ceremony will be held on Friday, 15 October at the WIN Entertainment Centre with a triumphant return to the black-tie dinner format enjoyed in years past.