“Unique”, “articulate” and “passionate”.
Those are some of the words judges have used to describe businesses who are nominated for this year’s Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards.
Deniliquin Business Chamber received more than 100 nominations across 15 different categories.
A panel managed to whittle it down to 27 finalists, who were assessed in more detail by the independent judges.
The five judges this year were:
• Jenn Donovan - a social media and marketing speaker with background in property law, retail and small business coaching.
• Court Sayer-Roberts - a business advisor and qualified small business financial counsellor.
• Edwina Hayes - a director with Regional Development Australia who has experience working with all levels of government, businesses and community groups.
• Krista Schade - managing director of the Hay Riverine Grazier.
• Pam Sutton - former Deniliquin Business Chamber executive member and Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards winner with experience in the tourism industry.
Mr Sayer-Roberts said having also judged last year’s awards, he noted a “step up“ in the nominations this year.
“The ones that did really well in judging (this year) were clear on where they see their business going, and were able to articulate where they needed more support,“ he said.
“All the finalists put a lot of thought into their nominations.
“The district has some unique and very diverse businesses.
“The Deniliquin and wider community is certainly very lucky to have them.”
Mr Sayer-Roberts said the number of nominees was also very telling of the local business community’s importance.
“It is always a good sign when people want to recognise their local businesses.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who did not nominate this year to do so next year.
“It is an opportunity as a business person to reflect on your business and get recognition, and the judges’ feedback can be very useful to you.”
Ms Donovan said she was also impressed by the quality of entries.
“You could see there was enormous effort, and they were articulated so well,” she said.
”One of the award categories I judged asked businesses to show how they contribute to the community, and whether small or large they could identify that shopping local and supporting local events and groups got the town through some hard times.
“What stood out to me, coming out of the COVID pandemic, is the innovation. The businesses listened and looked at the way they were providing services to the community.”
Finalists - which are listed on page six of today’s edition - will be celebrated at a gala awards evening at the Deniliquin RSL Club on Friday, July 21.
Winners of aligned categories will then become automatic finalists in the Murray Riverina Business Awards.
To book your tickets for this year's Deniliquin Business Awards, head to TryBooking and type in Deniliquin, or use the direct link - www.trybooking.com/CIBPS.