Inaugural business awards to celebrate Blackwood’s best

Businesses across Bridgetown-Greenbushes are being invited to step into the spotlight as nominations open for the inaugural Blackwood Chamber Business Excellence Awards.

The awards, launched by the Blackwood Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aim to recognise the businesses, makers, traders and not-for-profit organisations that contribute to the region’s economy and community.

Businesses will be nominated and supported through public voting, which opened on July 1, while voters will also go in the draw to win local gift vouchers.

An official launch event is to be held on August 4, before the winners are announced at a gala awards night on October 12.

Blackwood chamber president Tracey Hodgkins said the awards were created after recognising the outstanding work being carried out by local businesses, much of it without widespread recognition.

“The Business Excellence Awards grew out of a simple observation: the Blackwood region is full of businesses doing genuinely outstanding work, often quietly, without much recognition beyond their own customers,” she said.

“We wanted to change that. So much of what makes this region special comes down to the people who back themselves to start something here, employ locals and keep money circulating in our towns.”

Ms Hodgkins said the chamber was inspired by the way regional businesses faced unique challenges, yet continued to innovate, grow and support their communities.

“That deserves acknowledgement, not just a pat on the back but a genuine platform,” she said.

She said the awards were designed to achieve three goals.

“First, recognition. Giving businesses a moment to be proud of what they’ve built and to be seen by the wider community,” she said.

“Second, connection. The awards bring businesses together, spark conversations and remind us we’re part of something bigger than our individual operations.

“And third, momentum. We want the awards to raise the bar, inspire the next business to have a go and help tell a bigger story: that the Blackwood region is a great place to do business, live and invest.”