The Banjo Business awards will have a new date, a slicker format, return to a sit-down dinner and become easier to enter as a part of a major shake-up for the Orange Business Chamber.
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Business chamber president Ash Brown said the changes had been made following feedback from members.
Under the plan the awards ceremony will move to July from February, the number of awards will be cut and entering will involve writing “two or three lines” instead of an “essay.”
“The new format for the awards will be a lot simpler for people to nominate and enter,” he said.
“We’re going on feedback we’ve had from people saying it was a bit difficult to enter.”
He said this year’s stand-up dinner format had been scrapped and they would return to a sit-down format with a shorter time for formalities.
“That was not the right direction, that came through loud and clear in the feedback,” he said.
“We’ve delayed it to July because before with February the cut-off was Christmas and it was too difficult for business.
“The questions that will be asked for the awards will be very pointed.”
Mr Brown said the chamber would be appointing a paid administration officer who would work directly with members on their needs.
“We want to be more member-focussed and we want to give value back to the members,” he said.
Mr Brown said the chamber would offer better access to networking and educational seminars and get more involved with the state business chamber and Orange City Council.
He said Orange businesses faced a challenging time.
“Retailing is hurting at the moment. The main street and the CBD needs to be revamped,” he said.
He said businesses also needed help to use internet shopping and social media.
“It’s all well and good having your bricks and mortar but now a lot of business is done on the internet so it is about being clever and savvy with that,” he said.
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