THE Tele's 2024 Community Champion Awards have reached a crunch stage with the judges having agonised over a record number of entries this year.
A host of outstanding nominees across 11 awards categories have been whittled down to shortlists of finalists - after much discussion at a marathon judging session.
Tele editor David Goodwin was joined by Lizzy Todd, president of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce and MD of TweetiePie Media, Charlene Elliot, CEO of CVS Inverclyde, PC Frazer MacDonald, Inverclyde Community Police Officer, and Stephen McCabe, Leader of Inverclyde Council, for the all important meeting.
David said: "It was really tough to get to the final shortlists because every single person and organisation nominated are winners and true community champions in their own right.
"But we got there in the end and I'm looking forward to announcing the finalists next week and welcoming them all to our glittering awards ceremony at Greenock Town Hall on June 7.
"I thank all of the judges for their time and effort into looking at all of the nominations in such great detail and helping with finalising the shortlists."
The Tele is delighted to welcome two new sponsors for this year's event - A&I Geotechnical Ltd and Platinum Paving - who join existing sponsors Clyde Eats, Arnold Clark and RCH Group.
Maria Cameron, of A&I Geotechnical who are sponsoring the Heart of Gold award, said: "We are a family-run business nestled in the heart of Inverclyde and we take immense pride in championing all that is positive in Inverclyde, amidst what at times can be an unfairly negative perception.
"Our area is brimming with remarkable individuals accomplishing extraordinary feats, and it is truly gratifying to acknowledge their contributions."
Platinum Paving are sponsoring the Little Champion section of the awards; Clyde Eats have sponsored the Youth Champion award; Arnold Clark are sponsoring the Charity Champion award; and RCH Group are sponsors of the overall Community Champion of the Year award.
Janine Brennan, Director, Clyde Eats said: "These awards play a pivotal role in acknowledging the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by individuals across various capacities.
"Our unwavering commitment to community lies at the core of our daily endeavours, making our support for these awards a cause we deeply believe in."
Paul McCafferty, General Manager of Arnold Clark Greenock, said: "We’ve always believed in rewarding the efforts of those who go the extra mile, and we’re especially proud to sponsor this year’s Charity Champion of the Year award.
"We work closely with charities and community groups all year round, and we’ve seen first-hand the profound impact they can have on our local communities."
Stephen Harrison, Communications and Marketing Business Partner with RCH Group (River Clyde Homes and Home Fix Scotland) said: "We share the Greenock Telegraph's passion for celebrating Inverclyde's heroes.
"Our values align perfectly with the spirit of the awards and we're proud to once again support these inspiring individuals who go above and beyond to build a better Inverclyde, one positive action at a time."
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