Barraba’s Polkadot Cafe was recently nominated for a Quality Business Award in the Tamworth Business Chamber’s annual program to recognise outstanding local enterprises. On top of that recognition, Polkadot was the winner of last week’s prize drawer to promote the awards. Proprietor Sandra Allen has won a return trip for two to Brisbane. The weekly drawer also gave a $50 prize to the nominee, Peter Dwyer.
Peter says part of his motivation for nominating Polkadot was the outstanding way Sandra and her team treat people with disabilities. “Everyone is made to feel really welcome,” says Peter. “It means a lot, and helps people feel part of the community.” Peter says although he’s not a coffee drinker he always takes colleagues to Polkadot for their meetings when they are in town as everyone is always taken care of really well.
Sandra says the nomination for the award is much appreciated. “If you don’t have loyal customers then you don’t have a business. It’s just nice to be recognised and appreciated.”
In Barraba, two businesses have been nominated so far. Six Manilla businesses have also been nominated to date. The community has just one week left to back their favourite business, with nominations for the 2021 Quality Business Awards closing on July 26. There are forms in local businesses and a nomination can also easily be made online at tamworth.org.au.
The Tamworth Business Chamber has so far received more than 800 nominations for the awards, a
huge result that already exceeds the total number of nominations received in 2019. Tamworth Business Chamber President, Stephanie Cameron, says it is great to see so many people
supporting the local business community. “We’ve already surpassed 2019’s total of 770 nominations, which shows the community has really rallied around local businesses.”
Following a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19 this year’s Quality Business Awards are all about
celebrating the resilience, dedication and ingenuity of the local business community, which Mrs
Cameron says has been evident in many nomination tributes.
“Peel Valley Milk has been nominated. For a business that has truly battled drought, falling milk
prices and COVID-19, they’ve continued to diligently deliver to the Tamworth region, always with a
smile on their face,” says Mrs Cameron. “Then we have other great businesses like Drive Smart Tamworth/Manilla, who’ve been praised for going above and beyond for its students.”
Nominations for the Quality Business Awards will close on Monday, July 26, with any business
operating in Manilla, Barraba, Tamworth or Nundle eligible to be nominated. Chamber President, Stephanie Cameron says, “Whether it’s a tradie, hairdresser, local café or retail store, if you think they deserve to be acknowledged for their customer service, then nominate them.” “We have nomination entry barrels located all over the region, plus nominations can be made online.”
By Jane Harris