Finalists revealed: ACCI Great Southern Business Awards nominations point towards promising business future

Strong fields of nominees in the young business person and start-up business categories of this year’s Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry Great Southern Business Awards have painted a positive picture for the future. ACCI chief executive Lisa Smith declared the “future of Great Southern business is strong” after the categories were among the most hotly contested of the 2022 awards, receiving 13 and 23 nominations respectively. She said it was also pleasing to see nominations and finalists come from the wider Great Southern region, rather than the awards just being a showcase for Albany-based businesses. Finalists for the awards include three Denmark businesses and one each from Katanning, Tenterden and Mt Barker. “We were pleased to collaborate with the Albany Business Centre, Katanning Regional Business Centre and Denmark Chamber of Commerce and Industry by involving them in the judging process,” she said. “Not only does this provide an opportunity for local business organisations to collaborate and draw upon their local knowledge and business expertise, but it also works to further unify our Great Southern region.” An initial round of judging has narrowed the field of 156 nominations into finalists across 11 categories. Great Southern business leaders sitting on the judging panel will now determine who will take out the awards as well as determining the winner of the coveted Great Southern Business of the Year title — which 27 businesses have been nominated for. Adaptability and a changing business landscape were also highlighted by strong growth in the home-based business category which received nine nominations. Tullybrook Individualised Support Services has been named a finalist in three categories — innovation in business, home-based business and the community service award. Artisan Brewing, Cameron Caravans, Tankman Mt Barker, and Direct Seeding Harvesting and Equipment are all represented as finalists in two categories. The awards will be presented during a gala event at the Albany Entertainment Centre on October 29. For tickets, visit bit.ly/3efD9Rp. Finalists Young Business Person of the Year Start Up Business Home Based Business Innovation in Business Environment & Sustainability Excellence in Tourism Employee of the Year Community Service Award Business with up to 10 Employees Business with over 10 Employees Business Person of the Year