The region’s peak business organisation, Business Illawarra, has today announced finalists for the 2021 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards.
Adam Zarth, Executive Director of Business Illawarra, said that the 2021 awards program had attracted a record number of entrants and that the standard of submissions was particularly high despite the tough business conditions facing our business community.
“This year more than ever, local businesses are looking to our awards for certainty, community and positivity amid the most challenging operating environment in living memory,” said Mr Zarth.
“We’ve received an overwhelming response to this year’s awards program, and I’ll take this opportunity to congratulate everybody who entered and particularly our finalists on their strong submissions.”
The 2021 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards will celebrate the achievements of the region’s businesses and business professionals in the face of significant and ongoing challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Entries were assessed by a panel of independent judges, who following a rigorous assessment of written entries and virtual interviews, have decided upon finalists across 14 award categories.
“Our finalists are terrific reflection of the diversity of talent and expertise in our business community, ranging from sole traders to large-scale employers, and a wide range of industries and sectors across the region.”
“We’d like to congratulate all entrants, particularly our category finalists who will now progress to the final interview stage of judging. Winners of the Shoalhaven Business Awards in aligned categories will also join finalists in the interview process. Special recognition is due to our Auditor of Judges, Warwick Shanks, who is again overseeing a highly rigorous judging process,” said Mr Zarth.
“In an exceptionally challenging year for businesses across the region, it has been more important than ever for all of us to share in stories of businesses finding new and innovative ways to flourish, and to recognise the hard work of the many dedicated staff who have supported businesses during challenging and unprecedented times.
The 2021 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards gala ceremony will now be held on Friday, 19 November at the WIN Entertainment Centre, and the Business Illawarra team continues to work with Venues NSW and its suppliers to deliver a black-tie dinner format seen in years past. The safety of the community is paramount and the event will adhere to COVID-safety requirements in place at the time.
A full list of finalists can be found here. Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks, with more details to follow.