SOME called it a snub. Others took it as a wake-up call.
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But whatever way you look at it, Westlakes businesses did not fare well in the Lake Macquarie City Business Excellence Awards of 2012.
Last year, businesses on the eastern shore of the lake dominated the awards, claiming 14 of the 16 gongs up for grabs.
It was pretty much one-way traffic.
But it ends this year. Surely.
So, locals who are rapt in the service they get from their mechanic at Morisset, butcher at Bonnells Bay, webmaster at Wangi Wangi, or tradie at Toronto are urged to nominate them for the Lake Macquarie City Business Excellence Awards of 2013.
Nominations close tomorrow, but nominating is quick and easy.
The awards are managed by the Business Growth Centre (formerly Lake Macquarie Business Centre).
The centre's Nikki Ovenden said the awards were not about popularity.
"They are about demonstrated strengths across several different business functionalities, so the awards categories are very different to the standard business award format," Ms Ovenden said.
Among the 13 categories to be contested this year are excellence in customer service, innovation, branding and marketing, and new business.
Businesses nominated in each category will be assessed by a panel of three judges. That assessment could include a visit from the judges acting as mystery shoppers.
Businesses are also invited to self-nominate.
To nominate a local business or employee, go to lmbea.com.au.
■ Time-pressed people can complete the first page of the nomination form by tomorrow, and the remainder at a later date.
Wins make jeweller one to watch
KADIA Jewellery, at Toronto, has won three business awards and been nominated for a dozen since 2000.
Manager Kaylene Fitzpatrick is again nominating her store in the customer service category.
She encouraged other shoppers and businesses in the Westlakes area to follow her lead.
"The Westlakes area has got everything that Charlestown has to offer but without the hustle and bustle," she said.
Westlakes businesses, such as those at Toronto, offered professional, personalised and friendly service "but with a lovely country feel and honesty", she said.