Nominations close this Friday (April 14) but with it being a long weekend they will still be received up to Tuesday morning April 18.

Interest has been high this year with the awards falling under the new united MidCoast Business Chamber brand.

This is new umbrella group formed from eight chambers in the new MidCoast Local Government Area.

“The awards are the perfect opportunity to show the community that business is positively embracing our new region,’’ Taree Business Chamber president Jeremy Thornton said.

“We see many positives in the new council area and to now be working on projects driving growth with our colleagues at Gloucester, Bulahdelah, Tea Gardens and Forster-Tuncurry along with the traditional Manning based chambers is showing unity and strength.”

Ticket sales are now open for the awards ceremony to be held at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club on Friday evening May 5.

“It’s a thrill to be holding the event at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club and seeing the excitement coming all over the area,’’ MidCoast Awards committee member Jenny Ashton said.

“We are anticipating a wonderful evening celebrating local business and hope people come along with their staff even if they don’t nominate. Although we would love to see more entries as it’s a great chance to showcase your business.

“Eggins Comfort Coaches will run a bus service to and from Taree on the night so there’s no excuse to not be there.”

Some of the awards lead to representation at regional and State level with a number of local businesses representing at higher levels over the past years. This could see a local business competing against businesses State-wide. Bamboo by Logan Leigh are the reigning Business of the Year with Deb Hopper of Life Skills for Kids the Business Leader. Nomination forms and ticket sales can be found via the awards web page www.midcoastbusinessawards.com.au