Re-launched after a three-year absence, the awards will recognise those in our community who excel in customer service across six categories: apprentice/trainee, hospitality, retail, trade, professional and community services.

The awards have been auspiced by the Sustainable Cessnock project and supported by Cessnock Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.

“We are extremely happy with the progress of the 2010 Cessnock Customer Service Awards. With over 150 nominations they are well on the way to being a responding success,” said Sustainable Cessnock Project coordinator Ian Mackey.

“The Cessnock buying public have embraced the awards and I am sure they will be very happy with the local winners when they are announced at the gala presentation night,” Mr. Mackey added.

“Business in Cessnock has long been well supported by local people but the great response to the customer service awards just proves how valuable and valued local business is to this community. We expect the awards to provide a further boost to trade in the area by raising the bar in customer service and creating pride of place in the Cessnock business district,” said Cessnock Wine Country Chamber of Commerce president Geoff Walker.

“Thanks must go to sponsors of the awards, Cessnock City Council, Joblink Plus, Westpac, Industry and Investment NSW, Cessnock Achievement Centre and The Advertiser.”

A panel of independent local business people have judged the nominees and first place and runners-up will be awarded in each category, with an overall winner judged form each of the six award category winners.

The judges were impressed with the calibre of entries and said the final decision was “quite difficult”.

The quality across all six categories was excellent and the finalists displayed a passion for customer service, they said.