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12 July 2007

Westpac launches sustainable business awards in Wagga Wagga

Westpac is calling for local Wagga Wagga businesses committed to sustainable business practices, to nominate for the Westpac Sustainable Business Awards, launched today at the opening of Westpac's expanded Business Banking Centre in Morgan Street.

Local businesses are invited to nominate their efforts to engage in sustainable business practices which benefit the environment and the community.

The winning business will receive $5,000 to help make their business even more sustainable, as well as a six month mentorship with a Westpac Business Banker from the Wagga Wagga Business Banking Centre.

Jason Garner, Westpac's local Regional Manager, said the awards highlighted Westpac's commitment to sustainable local businesses and agribusinesses in Wagga Wagga.

"Sustainable businesses are good for the environment and good for the community, and they make good business sense as well. It's about a 'triple bottom line' approach which looks to the future, both in terms of sustaining the environment and our people, as well as being a financial success," Mr Garner said.

"Sustainability means being around for the long term. A sustainable business looks at their product and risk management, as well as how it treats its employees, customers, the community and the environment. We hope the awards stimulate discussion and encourage increased consideration of sustainability among businesses in the region."

Mr Garner said the awards were a genuine way of showing the people of Wagga Wagga that Westpac planned on being around for the long-term.

"We already have three branches in the local area and now with Westpac's expanded Business Banking Centre in Morgan Street, we are able to offer a new level of service excellence to Westpac's local business customers in Wagga Wagga and surrounding areas," Mr Garner said.

Short-listed businesses will be invited to participate in a "Pitch-off" event on September 18, where the winner will be decided by a panel of local judges. Members of Wagga Wagga's local business community will also be invited to vote for a People's Choice Winner at the event.

Mr Garner said sustainable business practices were a core part of Westpac's DNA.

"Westpac is a leader in corporate responsibility and has been named the 'most sustainable bank globally' in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the past five years," Mr Garner added.

"Westpac was also the first Australian bank to adopt the Equator Principles, a voluntary set of guidelines which have been developed for managing social and environmental issues relating to the financing of development projects."

Businesses interested in entering the awards should visit the Westpac website. Entries close 23 August, with the shortlist announced 30 August.