By NARELLE COULTER
A LIGHT will be shone on some of the region’s best businesses when the Casey Cardinia Business Awards are handed out on Friday 16 September.
The awards recognise significant achievements from a range of sectors and celebrate those who contribute to the social, economic and sustainable benefit of the region.
A record 107 applicants are vying for this year’s awards.
Nominations have closed and finalists in all categories will be announced on 14 July.
However, residents can still participate by casting a vote in the People’s Choice Award.
Unlike other categories, the People’s Choice Award is not decided by judges but by popular vote.
Last year’s winner was Village Way Cafe at Lakeside Square Shopping Centre in Pakenham.
Owners Paul and Christina Sloothaak had only been in business a couple of months when their loyal customers voted them the people’s choice winner.
Christina has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years, while Paul switched careers from shopfitter to pastry chef.
Christina said the award meant a lot to them and their staff.
“We get a lot of response from customers who actually voted for us. We were so overwhelmed.”
Christina and Paul shared the $1000 prizemoney among their staff and also bought new equipment.
A sticker in the window and a trophy displayed in the cafe are proud reminders of last year’s win.
“As a team we felt very privileged to have such an accolade,” Christina said.
Since winning the award, Village Way Cafe has put on more staff, including another full-time chef and a full-time front of house employee.
Christina encouraged people to get involved and vote for their favourite among the 48 nominees.
“You feel your work is being acknowledged if customers do vote for you. You think ‘I am doing something right’.
“Winning was the icing on the cake.”
Voting for the winner of the 2016 People’s Choice Award opens on 15 July and closes on 12 August.
Participants can may vote as many times as they like, but only once per business.
To vote go to www.caseycardinia.com.au/businessawards
For businesses interested in next year’s awards, the program is free to enter and provides entrants with the opportunity to be recognised, receive publicity, establish relationships with other local businesses along with senior business leaders, network at a range of events, receive valuable feedback, review project objectives and ambitions and provide recognition and reward for employees.
