Nominate your Cavan town businesses of the year

Nominations are now being invited for the inaugural Cavan Chamber business awards, which will be presented at the Chamber's annual gala dinner in the Hotel Kilmore, Cavan, on Friday, April 23. There are four categories in the awards - Best Public House, Best Retailer, Most Innovative Business and Best New Business. The Anglo-Celt is the media partner for the event and coupons for nominations are published below. Once all nominations have been received, there will be a public vote via The Anglo-Celt and our website - www.anglocelt.ie. Chamber President Eamon McDwyer is encouraging members of the public to nominate their favourite pub or retailer or new and innovative business around Cavan town and its environs. He points out that in the year of the fleadh, when 250,000 visitors to the town are expected this August, it would be very advantageous for various Cavan businesses to have a plaque to display outside their premises saying 'Best Public House 2010'. He reveals that on a recent visit to Tullamore, it was the presence of such a plaque outside a pub in the town, that prompted him to go in for lunch. The titles in themselves are also quite coveted for advertising and promotional purposes, adds Mr. McDwyer. In addition to seeking nominations for the awards, Cavan Chamber is seeking sponsors for each of the titles. Sponsorship costs €1,500 and also includes a table for ten at the event. Tickets for the ball are also on sale at a cost of €100 each. Acknowledging the hefty cost of the tickets, Mr. McDwyer explained that this is the Chamber's main fundraising event for the year and the Chamber does not wish to be repeatedly hitting businesses and members for funds, therefore the tickets are priced accordingly. "The money will go towards the running of the Chamber and the staging of the Cavan Summer Festival. The money will be ploughed back into businesses in Cavan. We fully appreciate that €100 is a big ask in the present climate but we believe the Chamber will deliver value for money for local businesses during the festival and also the fleadh," explained Mr. McDwyer. The 2010 Gala Chamber Ball and Business Awards will be the final function at which Mr. McDwyer will act as Chamber President, after a term of three years. The Chamber's AGM is due to be held on April 15 at which officers and directors for the next year will be elected. "Anybody who feels they want to get involved are asked to come along and put themselves forward," said Mr. McDwyer, who hopes to remain on as a director of the Chamber. Making a final call for nominations for the inaugural Business Awards, Mr. McDwyer said that the awards are open to any business operating in Cavan town and its environs. "It could be a one-man show delivering a great service and value for money or a multinational," he said. For sponsorship queries or to purchase tickets, contact any member of the Chamber, or call the office on 049-4378104. Nominations for the award categories (on the coupon below) must be with The Anglo-Celt by 5pm on April 2. Voting will open on April 7 for a period of two weeks.