Winners of the Examiner's 2021 Port Stephens Annual Awards will be notified in a special way this week.
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A delivery with the winning news will make its way to the Port Stephens businesses that claimed top marks in each of the 26 categories, plus the business that was judged the overall awards winner, on Thursday, November 25.
"There was a lot of disappointment when we had to cancel the awards dinner, where we traditionally announce the winners, because of the ever changing COVID-19 restrictions," Tracey Bennett, Examiner sales representative and awards coordinator, said.
"It's usually such a great night, one that we and the awards finalists always look forward to.
"Rethinking how we can announce the award winners and still make it special, we decided on an in-person delivery with the news. I think this way it's still a nice surprise."
Following a hiatus in 2020, the Examiner forged ahead with its new-look annual awards this year to support and encourage the Port Stephens business community following a tumultuous 18-plus months.
The categories were simplified and some new ones introduced.
The awards attracted more than 8000 online votes alone.
"Even during a pandemic we had a great response to the awards. So many new businesses were voted for by the community this year, which is great to see," Mrs Bennett said.
Finalists were announced at the start of October, however the judging process to determine the winners of the 26 categories was delayed until the lockdown was lifted and businesses were once again open and operating.
The judging is completed across three weeks by a team of individuals that are independent of the Examiner.
All category winners and the Overall Business of the Year will be contacted on November 25.
The overall business of the year winner will receive an Examiner advertising package worth more than $30,000.
A full list of the 2021 Port Stephens Annual Awards winners will be announced in the December 2 edition of the Examiner.
Readers will hear from the award winners in the December 9 edition of the Examiner.
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