The awards are managed by a partnership made up by representatives of the Northam Chamber of Commerce, the Toodyay and York Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Small Business Centre Wheatbelt West and CY O’Connor College of TAFE.

For this first year Toodyay, York, Northam and Goomalling will each have its own category so that competition is initially with other local businesses.

The local winners will then be eligible for the major awards of Avon Valley Business of the Year and Avon Valley Business Person of the Year.

There will also be awards for not for profit community organisations and customer service.

All awards will be presented at the awards night in Northam.

Northam Chamber of Commerce executive Pat French encouraged Avon Valley businesses owners or managers to get ready to stand up and receive greater recognition in the region.

“The awards will be launched in the first week of April but you can make inquiries now by contacting me on 0427 472 729 or email patfrench@westnet.com.au.”

Offe rs of support and/or sponsorship or ‘in kind’ contributions have come so far from the Shires of York, Northam and Goomalling, the Small Business Centre Wheatbelt West, CY O’Connor College of TAFE, the Small Business Development Corporation, the Avon Community Development Foundation, Experience Perth, Bendigo Bank, Telstra, GWN, Radio West, WA Country Builders, Linley Valley Pork, McDonalds, Avon Valley Advocate, York Community Matters, Toodyay Herald, Purslowe Tinetti and a number of other corporate sponsors.

An application has been submitted to the Wheatbelt Development Commission for a small grant from Royalties for Regions funding to facilitate this event and future collaborative activities.