MORE than 600 members of the Tamworth business community glammed up for the annual Tamworth Business Chamber’s Quality Business Awards on Friday night.
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Emcee Murry Hartin was among those to don the black tie for the occasion, thanks to Joblink Plus chief executive officer Chris Sheppeard.
Mr Hartin forgot his suit, leaving it at home in Sydney, but thanks to Mr Sheppeard, who’s recently lost some weight and needed to buy a new tux for the occasion, there was a spare one available for Mr Hartin to borrow. This year’s awards included a number of new finalists and increased recognition for small businesses.
Chamber president Tim Coates said it was a fantastic night.
“It was great to see so many
people turn out to celebrate the evening, especially because it has been such a trying time for business over the past 12 to 18 months,” Mr Coates said.
He said it was good to see such a diverse range of businesses acknowledged throughout the night.
“It shows just how much our city and region has to offer,” he said.
Other highlights of the night Mr Coates said were the naming of local grocer and IGA owner Carlo Cavallaro as the winner of the Noel Park Award and Travelworld Tamworth’s Chris Watson Young Business Person of the Year.
“It was the first year the Chamber has had the Young Business Person of the Year Award and Chris was a well deserved winner,” Mr Coates said.
“It was good to see Carlo recognised for his contribution too, and for people who might see him but not know him or his story to find out where he has come from.”
Tamworth Business Chamber 2012 Quality Business Award winners
Excellence in Innovation – Baiada
Excellence in Small Business Growth – 360 Fitness Club
Excellence in Export Award – Andromeda
Excellence in Community Involvement/Service – Easter’s Landscape Supplies
Excellence in Environmental Commitment – Tamworth Fodder Farms
Excellence in Accommodation – Best Western Sanctuary Inn
Excellence in Cafe Culture/Convenience Food – The Old Bell Tower
Excellence in Employment, Education and Training – Australian Training and Consulting
Excellence in Health and Wellbeing – Rural Fit
Excellence in Hair and/or Beauty – Plush Hair Design
Excellence in Manufacturing/Construction – Redimix Concrete
Excellence in Motor Transport Sales/Service (large) – Nymans Smash Repairs
Excellence in Motor Transport Sales/Service (small) – Bob Jane T-Mart
Excellence in Professional Services (small) – ImagineMORE
Excellence in Professional Services (large) – Forsyths
Defence Reserves Support Award – Dynamic Fire
Outstanding Pub/Club/Licensed Premises – DAG Sheep Station
Outstanding Restaurant – The Workshop Cafe
Excellence in Retail (small) – Xtreme Cycles
Excellence in Retail (large) – Choices Flooring, Tamworth
Excellence in Rural Industry – Tamworth Fodder Farm
Excellence in Service and Trade – Fiona’s Mini Bus Rentals
Excellence in Media and Entertainment – Capitol Theatre Tamworth
Excellence in Tourism and Sport – Strike
Tamworth Business Chamber Regional Business of the Year – Baiada
Tamworth Business Chamber Small/Medium Business of the Year – Strike
Tamworth Business Chamber Large Business of the Year – Nymans Smash Repairs
Noel Park Award – Carlo Cavallaro
Young Business Person of the Year – Chris Watson