THE annual Limerick Chamber Business Awards are set to become the biggest the forum has seen in this its 7th year with 14 categories now up for finalisation.
Chamber CEO Dr James Ring said that this year’s awards will reflect Limerick’s status as an economic rising star.
From the 2016 bill of 12 categories, two new awards have been added for this November’s gala event; Best Employer and Best Innovation (RD&I) Award
Speaking ahead of the official launch next Monday morning at the Castletroy Park Hotel, Dr Ring said that the event will capture the unprecedented sense of positivity and confidence in Limerick today.
The awards are sponsored by LIT and will recognise and celebrate business success across all sectors and scales, from SME’s right up to multinationals. They are open to all businesses – not just Chamber members – in Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, North Cork and North Kerry.
“In 2016 the Mid-West was the fastest growing region in terms of employment and it is also the fastest growing region outside the capital in terms of foreign direct investment. Limerick is now, as one national newspaper headline belted out last week, the poster boy of the economic recovery,” said Dr. Ring.
“It has happened by virtue of a true collective approach, including from the business community itself. Our awards in November, more than any other event, recognise that effort and celebrate those companies that are standing out in a really vibrant city and region today,” said Dr. Ring.
The Chamber CEO urged as many companies as possible to enter the Awards this year, emphasising that the return for winning and even shortlisted companies has gone beyond the award itself. “Companies who have been shortlisted have found the recognition and profile received motivates and encourages them and others to strive for more success. Thanks to our media partners, the Limerick Leader and Limerick’s Live 95FM, every one of the shortlisted companies is profiled, spreading awareness of their operations and, indeed, products and services.”
“Being a well-known organisation or having a famous consumer brand name is not enough to attract and retain top talent and even more challenging if you are a small, yet unknown company with opportunities to grow globally with the right team. Organisations need to actively promote their strengths, and demonstrate why they should be considered a preferred employer to work for,” Dr Ring added.
The 13 Categories for the 2017 Awards are:
Best Innovative Startup of the Year
Best SME Business of the Year
Best Large Business of the Year
Best Contribution to the Community(Corporate Social Responsibility) of the Year
Best Community & Voluntary Sector Organisation of the Year
Best Family Business of the Year
Best Retail or Food Service Business of the Year
Best Hospitality, Tourism & Culture Business of the Year
Best Business Services Provider of the Year
Best Innovation (RD&I) Award of the Year
Best Employer: Talent Development & Workplace Wellness of the Year
The Limerick Chamber Regional Business of the Year (chosen from the Winners of the above Categories)
Limerick Chamber President’s Award – Chosen by Limerick Chamber President – not open for application
The closing date for entries is Monday 24th September 2017.
See www.limerickchamber.ie for more with the awards scheduled for the Limerick Chamber President’s Dinner on Friday November 17.
