Business Awards

2009 Award Winners

Gordon McKay was announced ‘Business of the Year’ at the gala ceremony on July 22, 2009 at the Kardinia Heights Centre, and were presented with the 2009 Geelong Advertiser Business Excellence Award by Mark Gardy, General Manager, Geelong Advertiser.

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2009 CATEGORY AWARD WINNERS – The Judges Comments

GORDON McKAY – Geelong Community Telco Trades and Services Business Award
Switched on for success, Gordon McKay has systems and staff in place to grow to new challenges The commitment to organisational restructure to reduce the reliance on the owners, invest in other senior managers and ensure appropriate systems and processes are in place are a clear strength. Equally, the business understands the need to diversify and identify new markets. The business justifiably enjoys a pre-eminent position in its marketplace in the Geelong region and as the ‘Business of the Year’.

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GLOS NAILBAR – RACV Business Insurance Retail Award
The owner showed a real passion for the business as for the customers. Rigid business operations and a standardised approach by all staff members means that all clients will receive the same service no matter which staff member sees them.

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS – VECCI Commercial Services Micro to Small Award

The business projects a totally professional can-do and responsive attitude that is characterised by clever and logical planning and a high level of staff involvement and participation. The owner has passion for the business but has used the past 12 months as a period of self and business assessment and has worked on developing systems and processes that help to diminish the business’ reliance on his particular characteristic and abilities.

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WHK - Hardings Hardware Commercial Services Medium to Large Award
There is a very strong and well developed strategic planning process. A vision has been developed and significant resources committed to implement the plans, including input from all departments. There is a strong emphasis on input from employees. Management s establishing a positive culture and working environment – leading from the top. But cultural change takes time and commitment – continue with plans in place to maintain direction.

SHANNON PARK INDUSTRIES – Powercor Government Enterprise Award
All procedures are written in picture form for the illiterate, all employees have learned sign language for the deaf and a large number of employees have been trained in Cert 3 Food Handling. Team building exercises are carried out through footy tipping competitions etc. The on-going monitoring and controls required for such a team are intense. They do a fantastic job.

WATERFRONT HEALTH STUDIO - Barwon Health Health and Wellbeing Award
It is a nice environment to work in as well as visit, no expense has been spared. These guys are keen young professionals who have used specialist consultants to help them develop the business into one with very exciting prospects.

GALWAY TRADING – City of Greater Geelong Manufacturing and Export Award
Broadening the product range and outlets has been a key to growth. Galway has successfully developed exposure in key sectors of the health industry and is now expanding further into the retailing industry. There has been very strong growth in sales and now developing new market segments will further enhance brand recognition.

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON – Borough of Queenscliffe Tourism Accommodation Award
Four Points By Sheraton obviously knows its business operates in competitive market as a very high level. The presentation made to the judges was informative and it was clear that the staff involved were engaged in the business and passionate and proud of it.

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FREEDOM BAY CRUISES – LBW Chartered Accountants Tourism Attractions, Events and Services Award
They have had an increase in net profit of 85% in the past year, while bringing down their costs by 15%. They have received accreditation from the tourism body, making them the only cruise operator to do so. The operators are very focused on ensuing they build their business to a point that will allow them to sell within five years.
OTWAY ESTATE - Scotchmans Hill Hospitality Award
The business continues to be ‘out there’ by using its excellent products to win awards nationally and at state level, thus promoting to their peers as well as their markets. There is a strong emphasis on events as a method of marketing, also the formation of a beer club to attract a different clientele and boost product sales.

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SWEENEY TODD WASTE DISPOSAL - Harwood Andrews Lawyers Family Business Award
Sweeney Todd’s strength is that the management style of its organisation is oriented to exploring and taking on challenges that other businesses may not be willing to consider. This has contributed in a major way to their success in growing the business over a relatively short timeframe.

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SKILLED STADIUM - Barwon Regional Waste Management Group Sustainable Business Award
The SMG has a small team of committed staff. Revenue has been increased in the past 12 months. Staff has been increased from four to six people. It should work on re-imaging the stadium to change public perceptions about its use and what it has to offer.

COUNTRYWIDE COTTAGES - Geelong Chamber of Commerce Micro Business Award
Effort has gone in on customer service to provide a quality product. They understand customer service by providing’ little extras’ to add value to a customer’s holiday. They have brought in consultants to assist with planning and new accommodation units have been designed.

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TURFCARE AND HIRE PTY LTD - Shell Refining Small Business Award

Exceptionally well managed business that deservedly fits well among the best businesses in the awards. Outstanding leadership, structure, excellent policies, procedures and business culture. They are aware of the impact drought can have on a turf business and are breaking into the synthetic turf market to add another string to their bow.

AIRCRAFT PLASTICS AUSTRALIA - Lyons Construction Medium Business Award
The judges were pleasantly surprised by this business and the significant improvements that have been made in the past 12 months. The business has grown 64% while keeping control of operational costs, implementing professional processes and systems to support growth and expanding the facilities to accommodate. This excellent business has huge potential.

CITY LEARNING AND CARE CHILDREN’S SERVICES - Landlink Opteon Large Business Award
Passion is something that is very evident and a clear goal that spreads throughout to improve the development of these under privileged children. The staff are very special individuals that are regularly challenged. However they continue to strive to deliver a better option for these children.

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HUNTER CUTHILL – Bendigo Bank New and Emerging Business Award
This business has come a long way in the past four years to a point where some really strong growth has enabled them to position themselves very well in the market. They have a strong focus on quality and service. Follow-up calls are made to all customers and they pride themselves on being available to all customers when required.

CORANGAMITE FINANCIAL SERVICES - Gordon Institute of TAFE Best First Year Entry
The board has a marketing committee that meets monthly. They have a marketing plan and a budget. The Community Bank has put $500,000 back into the community in well chosen projects. This is most likely the greatest marketing tool they have. The strength of the business and the board has enabled them to negotiate the franchise agreement in terms more suitable to the particular business.

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THE BELLARINE RAILWAY – Bunnings Corio Judges’ Award
A comprehensive business plan was given to the judges. Basically it covered three key areas: Develop a national living railway museum; develop car free transport to Queencliff; and build on local tourism.

YMCA ANGLESEA RECREATION CAMP – Bunnings Waurn Ponds Judges’ Award

Strong leadership with a structured approach. They are values driven and the strategic planning and vision is outstanding. Contributions to the environment and sustainability of the business is excellent and is increasingly extending beyond the business itself.

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