Launched last week at a reception in Michelin Athletic Club, the awards, which are organised annually by Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have Michelin Tyre PLC as the major sponsor for 2011. Welcoming everyone to the launch, Chamber President Raymond Ruck described the awards as “an institution in the Borough”. “They provide a real opportunity to showcase all that is best about business in Ballymena,” said Mr Ruck who thanked Michelin for agreeing to be this year’s main sponsor, adding that Michelin have been a great supporter of both Chamber and the awards for many years. “I would also like to thank all the other sponsors and advertisers – without your support there would be no awards. The date for the gala evening is Thursday, October 20. Put this date in your diary now – it is an evening not to be missed,” he said. Wilton Crawford, Factory Manager of Michelin Ballymena said he was very excited about Michelin being the major sponsor. “I have been Factory Manger in Ballymena now for 20 months. I am originally from North Florida, which is very similar to Ballymena with agriculture and small businesses being vital to the economy. My family appreciate the very warm welcome we received from the people of Ballymena. “Michelin is always happy to share business experience with other businesses in the area. Involvement in the local community is a major part of the Michelin ethos. In the past few years Michelin Development has helped create 300 jobs in the area. I look forward to the awards ceremony in October and wish all entrants every success”. Robin Cherry, the Deputy Mayor said the awards were “a reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit in the borough” “Every day in the press, especially the financial press we read stories of doom and gloom. These awards help dispel some of that gloom,” said Cllr Cherry. “Ballymena Borough Council is fully committed to our local commercial sector within the borough. Council recognises the significant economic benefits commerce brings to an area and as a Council we lead the way in working in partnership with our local businesses to bring mutual benefits to our area. “Ballymena Borough Council is one of the few Councils to have business people sitting with elected members at our Economic Development Partnership meetings to collectively make decisions. We as a Council are delighted to sponsor the Commitment to Ballymena award and to support our Chamber of Commerce and Industry whose hard work in bringing forward these awards is a reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit in the Borough”. The sponsors this year are: Customer Service Award Retail Sector (Independent Retailer) - First Trust Bank; Customer Service Award Retail Sector (Multiple Retailer) – Kyle Autoline; Best Eating Establishment Award – The Patton Group; Best Small Eatery/Coffee Shop Award – firmus energy; Customer Service Award Service Sector – Riada Resourcing; Customer Service Award Hospitality Sector – Robinson Services; Business Premises Award - JTI; Best Business Website Award – Moore Concrete Products Ltd; Excellence in Customer Service Award – McKillens Footwear; Customer Service Award Convenience Store – Barrs Butchers & Deli; Right Place to Work Award – Northern Bank Ltd; Most Promising New Business Award – Into Business Magazine; Best Small Business Award – Michelin Tyre PLC; Export Business of the Year Award – The Wright Group; Environment Award – Northern Regional College; Innovation Award – Invest Northern Ireland; Business Growth Award – Ulster Bank; Employee of the Year Award – Grafton Recruitment; Involvement in the Community Award – Diamond Recruitment; Commitment to Ballymena Award – Ballymena Borough Council Awards brochures are now being distributed throughout the Borough. If you have not received a brochure, or you would like more information, please contact Chris Wales at office@ballymenachamber.co.uk or telephone 07876 758797.