The National Retail Association (NRA) has today opened nominations for its prestigious Rewards for Excellence program.
The awards are recognised nationally as the highest accolade in retail, and acknowledge excellence in ambition, leadership and innovation.
NRA CEO Trevor Evans said those who are nominated will have shown remarkable commitment to the industry across a number of areas.
“We want to recognise the movers and shakers in the retail industry – the ones who have demonstrated that to compete and prosper in this challenging market, you have to be savvy in all areas,” Mr Evans said.
“We’re encouraging retailers to nominate a standout colleague or their own business – we want to recognise those who are thought leaders in their field, whilst promoting the diversity of viable career opportunities in this ever-evolving industry.
“We’re extremely proud of the achievements of retailers and the industry as a whole. Together we’re strengthening the industry for a brighter and more prosperous future.”
Three-time Young Retailer of the Year Finalist Medina Cicak was crowned the 2015 Young Retailer of the Year for her commitment to the industry as KFC Australia’s human resource officer graduate leader.
Miss Cicak, who was up against 24 finalists, won a place on Westfield’s 2016 World Retail Study Tour alongside a number of retail executives exploring the latest trends and management techniques. Her advice to budding retailers thinking about nominating for this year’s program is simple.
“Do it. Take the chance and put yourself out there, see the bigger picture, give yourself the opportunity to see what is out there,” Miss Cicak said.
Nominations into 13 award categories are open from the 4th of April until Friday the 3rd of June 2016 and include:
– Franchisee of the Year
– Small Retailer of the Year
– Medium Retailer of the Year
– Large Retailer of the Year
– Multichannel Retailer of the Year
– Employer of the Year
– Training Excellence Award
– Innovation Excellence Award
– Sustainability Excellence Award
– Safety Excellence Award
– Young Retailer of the Year
– HR Practitioner of the Year
– CEO of the Year
This year will see the inaugural Young Retailer of the Year award included in the line-up, bringing together the most anticipated retail awards event in Australia. The winners will be announced at an extravagant Rio themed gala dinner at the Sydney Sofitel on Wednesday the 14th of September 2016.
Winner prizes include a place on the Westfield World Retail Study Tour, valued at close to $17,000; multiple places on the Neuresource Group Diploma of Neuroscience of Leadership Program, valued at close to $5,000 and a mentor program with retail Doctor Group’s CEO Brian Walker. Complimentary training vouchers and tickets to industry events will also be provided, to every award winner.
Nominate a standout colleague or your business in up to 13 Awards categories! Nominations close 5.00pm (EST) on Friday, 3 June 2016. Click here to nominate.
Key Dates:
• Monday 4 April 2016 – Nominations Open
• Friday 3 June 2016 – Nominations Close
• Friday 15 July 2016 – Finalists Announced
• Tuesday 9 August – Young Retailer Skype Interviews
• Wednesday 14 September 2016 – Award Finalists Lunch
• Wednesday 14 September 2016 – Rewards for Excellence Gala Dinner
For media enquiries please contact the NRA’s media unit on (07) 3240 0163 or 0467 792 013.