Thirty-six of Waterford’s top businesses have been shortlisted for the fifth annual Waterford Business Awards.
This is the first year that organisers Waterford Chamber and WLR have collaborated with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, a move which has been welcomed by Overall Sponsors, Waterford City & County Council.
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, March 8th in the Tower Hotel, where the selected businesses will be celebrated for their extraordinary contribution to the economic life of the city and county.
Maeve Ryan of the Book Centre, last year's overall Waterford Business Award winner
“As we focus more and more on collaboration within the region, it is fitting we have joined forces with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber for these awards and the shortlist is certainly a reflection that the business community across the county is stronger than ever,” said Waterford Chamber President Kathryn Kiely.
“We look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of all the businesses shortlisted in the Tower Hotel. To us they are all winners and their contribution to the economic life of Waterford is invaluable.”
Discussing the decision making process Judging Panel Chairperson Frank O’Regan stated: “It has been an exciting year for us in terms of the judging process, particularly with the introduction of new categories, which reflect the direction business is taking at the moment. The innovation, creativity and determination is so impressive and having reviewed each application, I can confidently say that Waterford, through its business community, is a city with a vision and a future that can only be admired.”
The shortlisted businesses were nominated by the public and also through self-nomination for the 13 categories. An independent judging panel, chaired by Frank O’Regan and including David Breen (David M. Breen & Co), Irial Mac Murchu (Nemeton), Lena Murphy (WLR), John Noonan (Flahavans), Louise Grubb (Q1 Scientific), Tina Darrer (Dooley’s Hotel), TV Honan (Spraoi), Noel Kelly (Nypro) and Richie Walsh (Waterford Local Enterprise Office), decided upon the finalist shortlist after a rigorous judging analysis of each application.
WLR will broadcast features on all the shortlisted companies on Deise Today Monday to Friday, February 18th to March 7th.
‘The Hot Desk’ on Sundays with Julie Smith will also highlight the nominated companies. You can listen back to the programmes on podcast on WLRfm.com Three businesses have been shortlisted for each of the thirteen categories and the winners of those categories will then go head to head in the hope of claiming the Overall Waterford Business of the Year, sponsored by Waterford City & County Council. A special Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by Dawn Meats, will also be presented to an individual chosen by the judging panel and will only be revealed on the night.
For further information on the Waterford Business Awards or for tickets see www.waterfordchamber.com or contact Lynda Lawton on 051- 311130
