The Cessnock Customer Service Awards have been a highlight of the local events calendar for the past decade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The awards have regularly drawn crowds of 200-plus, and more than 1000 nominations a year, since they were reborn in 2010.
Like so many other local events, the awards have adapted to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, and will this year be presented in a virtual ceremony that will be streamed online on Friday, December 4.
Hosted by the Cessnock Chamber of Commerce, the awards recognise the local people and businesses who go the extra mile and offer that something special - great customer service.
The 2020 awards will recognise excellence across five categories - hospitality and tourism, retail, trade, professional and community, and education and wellbeing - which will be broken into 18 sub-categories.
"We believe it is more crucial than ever in the face of all our local businesses have endured in the last few months - with COVID, bushfires and the drought - to recognise as many businesses as possible," said chamber board member and lead organiser for the awards, Olivia Palfreyman.
"We will be showcasing some of our finalists prior to the event via social media as well."
When people register for the awards they will receive an event package that will include details on how to access the livestream, what to expect and the program for the night.
"We hope that businesses will use the awards as a chance to dress up and celebrate in their own offices and homes with their teams like they would at our usual gala nights," Ms Palfreyman said.
"It is our idea that in doing this, local businesses will be supporting other local businesses when purchasing food, decorations and attire."
Chamber president Clint Ekert said while the virtual ceremony is a small change, the awards are still offering a wonderful opportunity to showcase those in our community who excel in customer service, and connect the business community with its customers.
"In a region like Cessnock with high tourism assets, excellent customer service is essential," Mr Ekert said.
"If you have had a positive customer service experience over the last 12 months, now is the time to acknowledge this and return the favour.
"Whether it be at your local retailer, accountant, solicitor, doctor or wine country business, I'm sure we have all had a great experience that we would like to applaud and share with others."
Nomination forms will only be available online this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Anyone who submits a nomination will be eligible to go into the draw for $100 Cessnock Dollars (to be spent at a local business).
Nominations close at midnight on Sunday, October 25 and can be completed at cessnockchamber.com.au.
Read more: Business excellence awards cancelled
Read more: Education Week celebrated online