Local businesses to be honoured at Chamber ball

Which local business is succeeding in putting Kells firmly on the map? And what company is the most supportive of other local businesses? These are two of the categories planned for the Kells and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2012, which will be presented at the President's Ball, which will be held in the Headfort Arms Hotel on Saturday 25th February. "Despite tough economic times, there are many local businesses in and around Kells that are managing to both survive and thrive," said Chamber president Geraldine Gaughran. "Our aim with these business awards is to recognise and reward the achievements of local businesses." There are five categories of awards, as well an overall winner, and local businesses are now invited to submit a nomination form to be considered for inclusion. An independent panel of judges will decide the award winners and a shortlist of nominees in each category will be announced in advance of the ceremony. The MC for the awards ceremony will be 2FM DJ, Damien Farrelly. "We have commissioned local artist Ian Rogan to make a beautiful piece of art for each award winner. Nomination forms are now available from Kells Chamber office and we would like all local businesses to consider putting forward their name for inclusion in the awards," said Ms Gaughran. The black-tie President's Ball will feature live music with acclaimed local band, Twister, as well as a four-course meal. In keeping with the 'Keep It Kells' theme, the dinner menu will feature the very best of local produce. Tickets for the ball are priced at €65 each, which includes a champagne reception, four-course gourmet meal with wine, live music and DJ until late.  For further information, ball tickets or award nomination forms, contact Kells Chamber Office on info@kellschamber.ie or phone (046) 924 0055. This year, the awards are open to both Chamber members and non-members. The five categories are include Best Retailer - this category aims to recognise excellence in retail offering and choice, presentation of the premises and general retail customer service. The award for the Most Creative and Innovative Business will go to a business that has taken steps to give them the 'edge', be that diversification, improving efficiencies, web or other social media marketing and this category will recognise these achievements. There will be an award for Best Customer Service. While customer service is important in the retail sector, it is also important in other sectors, such as hospitality, industry, professional services and this award will acknowledge a business that is demonstrating excellence in customer service. The Business That Is Putting Kells On the Map award will go to a business that has been successful on a national or international level and has raised the profile of Kells at home and abroad. In line with the Chamber's Keep It Kells campaign, the Best Business for Business in Kells award will go to the business judged to be the best supporter of fellow businesses in Kells. One of the category winners will go on to win the Overall Kells Chamber Business Award 2012. Meanwhile, the second Local Heroes meeting was held recently in the Kells People's Resource Centre. It had a great turnout and there was a lively discussion on the night and some very creative ideas came out of the meeting. A third Local Heroes meeting will be held in the Resource Centre at 7pm on Thursday 16th February and all are very welcome to attend. The plan is to start putting together working groups who will take on to follow up and implement some of the ideas and plans that have emerged from the meetings to date.