Best in Business to be honoured at Carlow Business Awards 2015

County Carlow Chamber announced details of the 2015 Carlow Business Awards at an evening launch event in the Dargan Centre, IT Carlow.

The Carlow Business Awards will take place on October 16th 2015 in the VISUAL Centre of Contemporary Art and promise to celebrate and honour the very best businesses across the county of Carlow. This year there will be 20 business categories with the addition of one special category, The Spirit of Carlow.

The three Judges have been announced as; Derek Shannon, President of County Carlow Chamber, Brian Ogilvie, Research and Commercialisation Support Manager, IT Carlow and Caroline King, Financial Controller, Doyles of the Shamrock.

Speaking at the launch, Derek Shannon, President of County Carlow Chamber, said, "We are delighted to announce these awards for Carlow. It is a fantastic event in the Carlow business calendar and gives members of our business community the opportunity to be honoured amongst their peers. The awards recognise Carlow's industry leaders through the acknowledgement of innovation in business, best practice and enterprise. I encourage all businesses to make an entry to the awards, you are not limited to just one category and you can enter more than once. It will be a real opportunity to showcase what you do and celebrate your achievements."

He added, "We're really pleased to introduce two new categories this year, an Innovation in Business Award and The Spirit of Carlow Award. The Spirit of Carlow is particularly special, we're partnering with The Nationalist for this non-business award which will recognise an individual or organisation who selflessly serve others and is an inspiration to us all.

We believe this is a fitting way to acknowledge the support that the local community gives to business in Carlow, without such support business would not develop and thrive in Carlow."

The Carlow Business Awards 2015 are sponsored by Carlow County Council, Local Enterprise Office. Commenting on their support for the initiative Kieran Comerford, Head of Enterprise with Carlow County Council, Local Enterprise Office said, "We are delighted to be part of this positive celebration of business in County Carlow. It's part of the role of Carlow County Council to develop and build a strong business environment across the county and we feel that the Chamber's Business Awards is an ideal opportunity to assist in celebrating the achievements and success of the local heroes who create and sustain essential employment in the towns and villages of County Carlow."

The awards are open for nominations from September 1st and close on September 30th. Businesses have the option to self- nominate or nominate others. The awards are open to both members and non-members. The Spirit of Carlow Award nomination form is available weekly from The Nationalist. See www.carlowchamber.com for full details on category criteria and to submit a nomination in the Carlow Business Awards 2015.