Awards’ big launch welcomes new naming rights sponsor

The Deakin University Geelong Business Excellence Awards enters its 33rd year in 2018 and will continue to showcase local businesses that epitomise outstanding performance.
The awards, an initiative of Geelong Chamber of Commerce, officially launched last week with a VIP event at North Geelong’s The Federal Café, Restaurant and Bar.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Bernadette Uzelac said the awards’ new partnership with Deakin University was exciting.
“In 2017 the awards reached new heights with record nominations and entries,” Ms Uzelac said.
“We’re delighted to partner with Deakin University, ranked in top 1.1 per cent of universities in the world, to present the 2018 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
“The awards are the longest continuously running business awards in Australia and they play an important role in shining a spotlight on local businesses that demonstrate excellence.”
Ms Uzelac was also pleased to announce several new sponsors for this year’s awards: Westpac, sponsoring the Customer Service Award; TAC, Accessible Business Award; and the Victorian Government through the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources joined as an Award Partner.
Deakin vice-chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander AO said the university was delighted to support the 2018 awards as naming-rights sponsor.
“The awards provide an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the business excellence throughout the Geelong region and to acknowledge the best of the best,” Prof den Hollander said.
“Deakin is passionate about supporting the communities we serve, especially through driving innovation and productivity.
“The university is a key driver in the future economic, social and cultural growth of our region, particularly in preparing graduates for the jobs and skills of the future. Our sponsorship of the awards aligns perfectly with our values.”
Entries are now open, with the general public are encouraged to nominate a business they believe deserves recognition.
Full details are available at gbea.com.au.