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FOUR Kerry entrepreneurs are vying for the 2017 County Enterprise Award, which will be presented at the Kerry Enterprise Awards on March 10, during Local Enterprise Week.
The nominees that have been shortlisted for the award this year are Joseph Moynihan from JM Agri Design Tralee, Ildiko Bajzat from Wellness Baking Ltd Listowel, Antoinette Butler from Irish Host Family Ltd Castleisland and Karen Mahony from Bababarock Ltd Killarney.
The winning entrepreneur will represent Kerry at the National Enterprise Awards in May, following in the footsteps of the 2016 winner – Fionán Murphy from Murphy Marine Services in Valentia.
The awards ceremony, hosted by the Local Enterprise Office every year, is taking place on March 10 at Manor West Hotel, Tralee.
The overall winner is set to receive €2,500 and a place in the national final in Dublin. The other award winners will receive €500.
Announcing the shortlisted entrepreneurs, Victor Sheahan Senior Enterprise Development Officer with Local Enterprise Office Kerry stressed the importance of celebrating local success stories.
He said: “As the LEO is the first-stop-shop for start-ups and small businesses in the region, on March 10th, we are paying tribute to local heroes who are the entrepreneurs and job-creators behind successful businesses and brands. Through the National Enterprise Awards, innovation and vision are both recognised and rewarded.”
Moira Murrell Chief Executive of Kerry County Council and representatives of business community are among the special guests expected.
The Enterprise Awards is one of the flagship events taking place during Local Enterprise Week, which runs in the county from March 6 to March 10.
All over the country, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices are jointly running over 380 events aimed at start-ups, aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses in their area.
Further information for all events taking place during Local Enterprise Week, including the County Enterprise Awards, is available through www.localenterprise.ie or by contacting the Local Enterprise Office on 066 7183522
