Business awards

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COMMUNITY CONNECT | page 6 Letters to the Editor | page 8 FREE 7 Day TV Guide | page 30 Adviser Classifieds | pages 27-29 Sport Adviser | page 31

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WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26, 2016

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Motor museum

doubles in size

THE Shepparton Motor Museum will soon be opening its new 750m square extension, which is set to double the space available in its showroom.

Coming at a cost of approximately half a million dollars and expected to open in November, the expansion will mean the entire floor space under-roof will become 3,000m square and will allow for an additional 50 vehicles to be displayed and a further 50 bikes on the newly constructed mezzanine.

Continued on page 23

HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCED… Cellar 47 co-owners, Franca and Angelo Grasso, became the 2016 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards Hall of Fame inductees during the awards’ gala dinner on Friday night, where each of the 13 award category winners for this year were announced. Photo: Alicia Niglia

Cellar 47 announced as inductee 432 strong crowd cheer on business award winners

FOUR hundred and thirty two guests joined together on Friday night to celebrate the 110 outstanding nominees for the 2016 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards, cheering on as each of the 13 category winners were announced. But it was the naming of the illustrious 2016 business Hall of Fame inductee that gained the most attention, with well-known local restaurant, Cellar 47 taking

out the title this year.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive officer, Lucy Cerrone said, “What a great night for the business awards this year with record nominees. It was wonderful to see all of the networking Continued on page 17 and excitement in the room.

FULL WRAP-UP OF AWARD WINNERS PAGES 17-22

2016 White King - Pental

CELEBRATING DESERVING WINNERS… There were plenty of crowd favourite award winners through out the night and a good night was had by all. From left, Business Award – Trade Services sponsor, The Adviser general manager, Will Adams, Business Award – Professional Service sponsor, WIN TV Manager, Lucas Coad, Business Award – Retail Service recipient, Stephen’s Jewellers general manager, Stephen Schneider, Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign Award recipient, Cardamone Real Estate director, Peter Cardamone, Best New Business Award (Under Two Years) recipient, Fun City Shepparton owner, Darren Shaw, Business Award – Trade Services recipient, Maison Belle Beauty owner, Maxine Smith, GV Health community and integrated care executive director, Leigh Rhode, Customer Service of the Year Award – Trade Service recipient, Tip ‘n’ Go Trailers co-owners, Michelle and Robert McQualter, Hall of Fame inductee, Cellar 47 co-owner, Franca Grasso, Young Professional of the Year Award recipient, Shepparton Marketplace marketing and business development coordinator, Danielle Tait, Hall of Fame inductee, Cellar 47 co-owner, Angelo Grasso, Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient representative, WOW Women personal assistant, Samantha Cordy, Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award recipient, Parklake Hotel apprentice chef, Cody O’Sullivan, Visitor Experience of the Year Award recipient, Shepparton Motor Museum and Collectables Ltd senior volunteer, Graham Tidd, White King – Pental engineering manager, Paul Moore, Customer Service of the Year Award – Professional Service recipients, Adina’s Dental Cosmetics owner, Komal Makwana, White King – Pental manufacturing manager, Carmine Conte, GV Healthy Workplace Award sponsor, GV Health board member, Stephen Merrylees, Business Award – Retail Service sponsor, 95 3SR FM media sales executive, Courtney Walder, Business Award – Professional Service recipient, Shepparton Women’s Health Centre obstetrician/gynaecologist, Margreet Stegeman and Customer Service of the Year Award - Retail Service recipient, Traffik Boutique sales assistant, Vivien Ibisi.

ENTERTAINING NIGHT… Matt and Jamie Hooper entertained the crowd with their collection of acoustic favourites.

RECORD CROWD… 432 nominees and their supporters packed the Eastbank Centre for the 2016 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards. From left (back), Customer Service of the Year Award - Retail Service recipient, Traffik Boutique sales assistant, Vivien Ibisi, Noreen Sali and Linda Sali from Traffik Boutique. (Front), S. Sali and Sons managing director, Sam Sali.

GREAT NIGHT OUT… The Eastbank Centre put on a fantastic night for the sizeable crowd, with tantalising meals adding that special touch to the night.

Outstanding nominees awarded 432 strong crowd cheer on business award winners continued from front page “THIS year, we made a strategic decision to encourage more networking and to make the night even more enjoyable for the crowd. We chose the wonderfully talented acoustic duo, Matt and Jamie Hooper who provided a relaxed and enjoyable mood for the crowd. We also staggered the award presentations to allow for a better atmosphere. All in all, the months of preparation were all made worthwhile by what was a tremendous night.

“We had 432 people in attendance in our 21st year and it was great to have the support again this year of White King – Pental. This year we are also appreciative of our new sponsors, GV Health, La Trobe University, Tourism Greater Shepparton, Greater Shepparton City Council, CVGT and Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“Thanks also goes to Choice Group, Greater Shepparton Business Centre, GOTAFE and Shepparton Show Me for their

continued support over the years.

“We are also appreciative of our media partners WIN TV, The Adviser and 95 3SR FM for their continued support.

“The highlight of the event of course, as in other years, is the presentation of the Hall of Fame recipient and this year was no exception. Last year’s Hall of Fame winner, Sam Renato made the announcement of Cellar 47 as this year’s honoured Hall of Fame inductee. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Angelo and Franca Grasso and all of the team at Cellar 47.

“This year we also enjoyed so many young people given recognition with our new Professional of the Year Award.

GV Healthy Workplaces was also another new category and amazing stories emerged on policies that are in place in some of our local workplaces, especially with our big companies.

“We would like to extend a big thank you to all of the judges on this year’s judging panel. There were many categories this year, which were very close and it made

the judge’s jobs even more difficult. It was great to see the Entrepreneur of the Year becoming very competitive and scoring very high.

“It was very inspiring to hear all of the comments from judges regarding the Trainee/Apprentice of the Year nominees and Young Professional of the Year nominees. These are our future leaders and it’s important to recognise them for all their efforts.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to the Eastbank Centre and staff as well as Shepparton Food Producers for their tremendous efforts and delicious food particularly catering to such a large crowd, they did a wonderful job. Also to Shepparton Access for the centrepieces filled with local produce.

“On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I’d like to extend our sincere congratulations to all of the winners on the night and what a wonderful celebration of the business community in Greater Shepparton.”

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1326 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 – Page 17

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2016 winners announced

Shepparton Motor Museum and Collectibles Ltd

Graham Tidd

VISITOR EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR AWARD From left, Visitor Experience of the Year Award sponsor, Visitor Centre coordinator, Maree Glasson, Visitor Experience of the Year Award recipient, Shepparton Motor Museum and Collectables Ltd senior volunteer, Graham Tidd and Visitor Experience of the Year Award sponsor, Tourism Greater Shepparton vice president, Carrie Donaldson.

The Shepparton Motor Museum and Collectibles Ltd is not only a standalone attraction of motoring memorabilia for car enthusiasts but also a whole family experience.

The museum draws a variety of visitors – regionally, nationally and internationally.

The ability to achieve periodical goals over a number of years coupled with clear attainable future business goals will see the sustainability of the museum for many more visitors and exhibitors to enjoy for years to come.

The Shepparton Motor Museum and Collectibles Ltd takes pride in hosting local history and has attracted over 100 volunteers to add to the local experience cementing itself as a very worthy winner of the award for 2016.

Quality Hotel Parklake

Cardamone Real Estate

Peter Cardamone BEST MARKETING/ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN AWARD From left, Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign Award sponsor, Shepparton Show Me chairman, Simon Quattrocchi and Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign Award recipient, Cardamone Real Estate director, Peter Cardamone.

Cardamone Real Estate has a sophisticated approach to marketing as reflected in the high level of planning and evaluation that is undertaken on a consistent basis which has yielded clear results. The business has an in-depth understanding of their markets, which ensures that activities are targeted, dynamic and effective. The team has undertaken a bold approach to branding their business with the aiming of being distinguishable in a highly competitive industry. This boldness is also reflected in several of the marketing activities such as a recently launched newspaper middle page spread, strategic placement of “for sale” signs or the welcome and farewell signs that greet you at the football/netball clubs that Cardamone Real Estate sponsors. The pinnacle of the marketing is the Real Estate Friday program on radio, which is clearly a winning formula that generates real results and is a clear point of difference in the way that real estate is marketed within the Goulburn Valley. The focus and investment in marketing undertaken by Peter, Lindi and the team warrants recognition and are therefore the deserving winners of the Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign.

Cody O’Sullivan

APPRENTICE/TRAINEE OF THE YEAR AWARD From left, Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award recipient, Quality Hotel Parklake apprentice chef, Cody O’Sullivan and Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award sponsor, GOTAFE marketing officer, Emily Hamilton.

Cody has been self-motivated since an early age to take on the responsibility of setting herself up by working three jobs then undertaking her apprenticeship. Since becoming an apprentice chef she has extended her exceptional skills, capabilities and responsibilities to the entire business of hospitality – not just her culinary skills and training. In so doing, she has demonstrated initiative, drive, maturity and leadership beyond her years.

Page 18 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1326 Wednesday, October 26, 2016

WOW Women Founder/CEO

Tracey Sofra

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD From left, Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsor, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry regional manager, Daniel Hibberson and Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient representative, WOW Women personal assistant, Samantha Cordy.

Tracey shows many qualities of a true entrepreneur, recognising that there are no limitations in life and that you can succeed in anything you put your mind to. Tracey is not only successful in her own career as an Accountant and Financial Planner at Sofra Partners but she also inspires other women to do the same through her program called WOW Women.

Tracey along with many initiatives provides education scholarships and even published her own book in 2016 called Finding Financial Freedom. Tracey is a true inspiration!

Shepparton Marketplace

Danielle Tait

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD From left, Young Professional of the Year Award sponsor, La Trobe University head of Shepparton campus, Sue Nalder and Young Professional of the Year Award recipient, Shepparton Marketplace marketing and business development coordinator, Danielle Tait.

Danielle is a creative and inventive thinker who craves a challenge. Her drive to success is her passion for marketing strategies and business innovation. Having completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Human Resource Management at La Trobe University, Danielle is employed by the Dexus Property Group and her role encompasses marketing and business development. Danielle is a super active member of the Shepparton community and involved in many initiatives within the region. She is a marketing committee member of the GV Young Professionals, a committee member of the Shepparton Show Me and Careers Day Out and a board member of Tourism Greater Shepparton and the Connect GV Fundraising Committee.

Women’s Health Centre

Dr Margreet Stegeman BUSINESS AWARDS - PROFESSIONAL From left, Business Award – Professional Service sponsor, WIN TV Manager, Lucas Coad and Business Award – Professional Service recipient, Shepparton Women’s Health Centre obstetrician/gynaecologist, Margreet Stegeman.

Shepparton Women’s Health Centre is providing a much needed and uniquely holistic approach to women’s health in Shepparton and the wider region. Somewhat surprisingly, the business is not well known by the general public, even in Shepparton. Dr Margreet Stegeman’s impressive five year plan is for the centre to locally provide services in all areas of women’s health including IVF. As such the business, operating from impressively refurbished premises in Corio Street, with a friendly and supportive team of professionals and ancillary staff, is a worthy winner of this award and the accompanying recognition for their efforts.

2016 winners announced Unilever

Nicole Cooper GV HEALTHY WORKPLACE AWARD From left, GV Healthy Workplace Award recipient, Unilever human resources manager, Nicole Cooper and GV Healthy Workplace Award sponsor, GV Health board member, Stephen Merrylees.

Unilever’s commitment to creating an environment that promotes health and a positive workplace culture is evident from the moment you walk into the grounds of their Tatura site. There is a clear management approach to building a resilient and empowered workforce, with active monitoring of health and wellbeing indicators, an active engagement strategy to ensure that staff ideas are listened to and valued and resourcing of a range of health and wellbeing programs. What was most impressive about Unilever were the many examples where staff have been actively involved in development of wellbeing programs, safety improvements on the factory floor, family events and community philanthropy.

Traffik Boutique

Vivien Ibisi

CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE YEAR AWARD - RETAIL From left, Customer Service of the Year Award - Retail Service sponsor, White King – Pental engineering manager, Paul Moore, Customer Service of the Year Award - Retail Service recipient, Traffik Boutique sales assistant, Vivien Ibisi and owner, Hismet Sali.

Vivien is thoughtful, pro-active and modest and has the ability to understand her customer’s needs. Vivien knows how to make a customer feel special and out of four excellent candidates it was very difficult to differentiate, however Vivien came out on top with her X factor.

Adina’s Dental Cosmetics

Kedar & Komal Makwana

2016 White King - Pental

Maison Belle Beauty

Maxine Smith

BUSINESS AWARDS – TRADE From left, Business Award – Trade Services sponsor, The Adviser general manager, Will Adams and Business Award – Trade Services recipient, Maison Belle Beauty owner, Maxine Smith.

Maison Belle Beauty represents the highest quality standards and professionalism setting a benchmark in the local beauty industry. Maxine and her team of trained beauty therapists offer a huge range of beauty treatments including facials and advanced facials, waxing and tinting, manicures, pedicures, massage, spray tanning, makeup, LED light therapy and specialising in eyelash extensions. Maison Belle Beauty markets the everyday woman and stocks Australian owned products providing packages and treatments to suit each individual.

Fun City Shepparton

Darren Shaw

BEST NEW BUSINESS AWARD (UNDER 2 YEARS) From left, Best New Business Award (Under Two Years) recipient, Fun City Shepparton owner, Darren Shaw and Best New Business Award (Under Two Years) sponsor, Greater Shepparton Business Centre business development officer, Tricia Martinek.

Fun City has exceeded the expectations for growth and is continually expanding the facilities and activities based on feedback from the community. The business has an in-depth understanding of their markets, which ensures that activities are targeted, dynamic and effective.

Having a strong advantage over its competitors; the state of the art equipment in Fun City not only leads the way in Shepparton but is a leader nationwide.

Fun City understands the importance of community involvement and makes significant contributions to the local community via charitable donations and providing fundraising opportunities for local sporting groups.

CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE YEAR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL From left, Customer Service of the Year Award - Professional Service sponsor, CVGT branch manager, Vaughan Adams and Customer Service of the Year Award – Professional Service recipients, Adina’s Dental Cosmetics owners, Komal Makwana and Kedar Samant.

Adina’s is a caring, enthusiastic and professional business. From the start at reception to when you leave the dental chair you are in good hands and receive top service. You can be confident of receiving the best dental care.

Tip ‘n’ Go Trailers

Robert McQualter CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE YEAR AWARD - TRADE From left, Customer Service of the Year Award - Trade Service sponsor representative for Choice Group, CVGT branch manager, Vaughan Adams with Customer Service of the Year Award – Trade Service recipient, Tip ‘n’ Go Trailers co-owner, Robert McQualter.

Tip ‘n’ Go Trailers have the initiative to go above and beyond what is expected for an exceptional customer experience. Delivering high quality workmanship together with great customer feedback has made them worthy winners of this category.

Stephens Jewellers

Stephen Schneider BUSINESS AWARDS - RETAIL From left, Business Award – Retail Service sponsor, 95 3SR FM media sales executive, Courtney Walder and Business Award – Retail Service recipient, Stephen’s Jewellers general manager, Stephen Schneider.

Again this year some great nominations were received from a broad spectrum of retailers – from paint, outdoor, entertainment, electronic, fashion and jewellery.

With a clear vision of what his business needs to be, Stephen Schneider has established Stephens Jewellers as an iconic retailer in Greater Shepparton. The business understands it must deliver on this promise through the knowledge and strength of its staff. This year alone every staff member has been through a training program to maximise customer service and knowledge.

Stephen also understands the importance of community involvement. The business actively raises funds for charitable causes. A valuable business for our community.

A deserving winner in this highly competitive retail category.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1326 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 – Page 19

2016 White King - Pental

Hall of Fame Honour

Grasso family honoured with Hall of Fame induction THE Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry was thrilled to honour and welcome into the Hall of Fame, Cellar 47’s Grasso family during Friday night’s gala 2016 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards event.

Originally located at 47 High Street in 1977 and then moving to its current location at 170 High Street in 1995, Cellar 47 has been in business for almost 40 years, and due to displaying consistent excellent business management over that period of time, the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry inducted the Grasso family into the award’s illustrious Hall of Fame.

Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive officer, Lucy Cerrone said, “Angelo and Franca and the Grasso family have been instrumental in raising funds for the MS Foundation having raised $300,000 over five years. They also support many local charities and very much into giving back to the community.

“They are dedicated and passionate about their work, excelling in delivering best customer service. Cellar 47 is the destination of many overseas and interstate

diners as well as locals who delight in their culinary expertise.

“Angelo and Franca have three children with Bianca their eldest daughter, who has been managing the restaurant for the last few years. Adriana, their younger daughter, lives in Melbourne and Johnny returned to live and work in Shepparton a couple of years ago.

“Congratulations to Angelo, Franca and the team at Cellar 47.”

Franca and Angelo were overwhelmed to have taken out this year’s Hall of Fame award.

Franca and Angelo said, “We’d like to take this special opportunity to thank everyone involved in the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be inducted into the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Awards Hall of Fame.

“We also take this opportunity to thank our head chef, Jayden and our entire team, and of course our customers.”

Franca wanted to especially thank Angelo, their children, Bianca, Adriana

Page 20 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1326 Wednesday, October 26, 2016

ILLUSTRIOUS INDUCTEES… From left, Johnny, Franca and Angelo Grasso from Cellar 47 have been inducted into the illustrious 2016 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards Hall of Fame.

Photo: Alicia Niglia.

and Johnny and their staff for all of their support over the years.

“It is fantastic that the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry put on

such great awards, and it is great to see such support provided by the award sponsors, White King – Pental, 95 3SR FM, WIN TV and The Adviser.”

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1326 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 – Page 21

2016 White King - Pental

Photos clockwise from far left: CLEVER TABLE SETTINGS… The table centres at the 2016 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards gala dinner night were purchased from Shepparton Access and contained homemade chutney, sauces and potted herbs.

DELICIOUS MENU… As part of the delicious menu served at the 2016 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards gala dinner night was Crispy Asian Pork Belly Salad with rice noodles.

STRONG ATTENDANCE… There was a strong guest number of 432 in attendance at the 2016 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards gala dinner night on Friday night, where the winners of each of the 13 categories for this year’s awards, and this year’s inductee into the business Hall of Fame, were announced.

MAJOR SPONSORS… As the major sponsor of the 2016 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards White King – Pental manufacturing manager, Carmine Conte enjoyed networking with those in attendance.

A NIGHT OF EXCITEMENT… Master of ceremonies, John Deeks and Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive officer, Lucy Cerrone at the 2016 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards gala dinner night. Photos: Alicia Niglia.

Supporting

women’s health

Dr Margreet Stegeman and the team at Shepparton Women’s Health Centre are truly honoured by the support and would like to thank their valued clients for the nomination. Winners of Shepparton Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 2016 for Professional Services.

100-104 Corio Street, Shepparton P: 5821 3555 www.sheppartonwomenshealthcentre.com.au Page 22 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1326 Wednesday, October 26, 2016