STRONG leadership is now more relevant than ever for Tasmanian businesses according to the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI).

Speaking following the launch of this year’s TCCI IOOF 2010 Tasmanian Business Leaders Award’s (TBLA), TCCI’s CEO Robert Wallace said that the effect of the protracted formation of government since the State elections in March combined with the aftermath of the worldwide economic downturn, required Tasmanian business leaders who were clearly focused on ensuring the future success of their businesses and who were engaging their workforce by positive example.

Sally Broadhurst, left, Maree Davis and Karyn French all of the Hobart Media Centre at this year's launch of the TCCI IOOF Tasmanian Business Leaders Awards.

“Current circumstances really do demand strong business leadership therefore it is opportune that we are launching this year’s Tasmanian Business Leaders Awards which will help business leaders focus on their strengths and opportunities.  The awards identify and recognise business leaders who demonstrate excellence in everything they do from the way they manage their businesses on a day-to-day basis through to planning for the future and guiding their businesses forward.   This strength of leadership is important particularly managing the challenges that impact on Tasmanian businesses and the way they approach the future,” Mr Wallace said.

“As we move forward within a more complex political landscape and its possible impact on the way business operates, we need business leaders who can inspire and motivate their workforces to ensure a strong and viable future,” Mr Wallace said.

This year’s awards are sponsored by IOOF, formerly Australian Wealth Management which is a provider of wealth creation products and services.

The awards, now in their fifth year, are partnered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAA) and are now recognised as Tasmania’s premier business awards showcasing and rewarding business leaders for their leadership skills and management achievements.

IOOF’s Chris Kelaher said sponsoring the awards was a good fit for the company as there were particular synergies between the services it provided and the work of strong and effective business leaders.

“Our business is to look after the future wealth of our clients and in effect that is what good business leaders are doing daily - looking after the future interests of their customers, staff and stakeholders.   We see the sponsorship of the awards as a reinforcement of the way we do business,” Mr Kelaher said.

There are six categories with a special category this year dedicated to the public and community sector:

• NAB Tasmanian Business Leader of the Year - Corporate
• WHK Denison Tasmanian Business Leader of the Year - Small to Medium Business
• 10X Tasmanian Business Owner Manager of the Year
• Corporate Communications Tasmanian Manager of the Year
• Tasplan Tasmanian Public and Community Sector Manager of the Year
• Park Homes Young Manager of the Year

The deadline for nominations is May 28. Application forms are available at www.tcci.com.au or by calling TCCI on 6236 3600.