Business Awards Winners 2015

NEWS

A tremendous night

2015 White King - Pental

Photos clockwise from top: RECORD CROWD… 470 nominees and their supporters packed the Eastbank Centre for the 2015 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards.

NEW MAJOR SPONSOR… White-King Pental General Manager Operations, Gerard Segrave warmed the crowd during the proceedings.

CELEBRATING DESERVED WINNERS… There were plenty of crowd favourite award winners through out the night and a good night was had by all.

GREAT NIGHT OUT… The Eastbank Centre put on a fantastic night for the sizeable crowd.

Photos: Alicia Niglia.

20th annual business awards welcome record crowds continued from front page “WE had a record 470 people in attendance in this our 20th year and it was great to have the support of our new major sponsor White King - Pental and Quality Parklake Hotel, Shepparton ShowMe and Watters Electrical who have also come on board this year. Thanks also goes to Choice Group, Shepparton Business Centre, RACV and GOTAFE for their continued support over the years.

“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. It was personally very gratifying to announce Renato’s Florist as this year’s honoured Hall of Fame inductee.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Sam and Josie

Renato and all of the team at Renato’s Florist.

“This year we also enjoyed a record number of nominations from Tatura and were excited to see two winners announced.

Judges comments highlighted that the business community in Tatura are proactive about encouraging tourism and promoting all businesses in the Greater Shepparton area, which is wonderful to see.

“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 judges jobs even more difficult. In fact the Business of the Year - Trade Service Award which was won by John Morrow Refrigeration had to be counted back, such was the caliber of nominees.

“It was very inspiring to hear all of the comments from

judges regarding the Trainees and Apprentices who were nominated. 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 Finer Fruit for the fresh fruit centrepieces and all of the people who helped behind the scenes to make this year’s event such an incredible success.

“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.”

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2015 winners announced Wanganui Park Secondary College

Daly Wilson

TRAINEE OF THE YEAR Trainee of the Year award recipient, Daly Wilson from Wanganui Park Secondary College with sponsor representative, Watters Electrical CEO, David Bassett.

The judges chose Daly Wilson as the winner because of the extremely difficult and delicate nature of his role at Wanganui Park Secondary College. Daly deals with students with very special needs and works hard to earn their trust. In earning their trust, Daly has also earned the trust and respect of parents and teachers. Daly admits that it was a role that he never saw himself doing, but by his own admission, the role has helped him mature and ready himself for University. Daly understates the value and importance of his work, because it appears his nature is to be a quiet achiever. It is understood that teachers and parents alike believe he is doing an amazing job. It is for these reasons and the fact Daly is an outstanding, modest young person, that he has been chosen as the Trainee of the Year.

Lagozzino’s Top Pub Tatura, accepted on their behalf by neighbour and friend

Tom Perry

HOSPITALITY OF THE YEAR Sponsor representative, GOTAFE Commercial Manager Tourism Hospitality & Events, Ross Graham with Hospitality of the Year award recipient, Lagozzino’s Top Pub Tatura neighbour and friend, Tom Perry who accepted the award on their behalf.

The judges said the Commercial Family Hotel commonly known as Lagozzino’s has actively met community needs by establishing in house entertainment and events driven by the consumer. The need to keep reinventing themselves at every level takes a lot of work, but ultimately it is the way to stay relevant for an increasingly discerning public. This is a hands on establishment in a small country town catering for all age groups, with uncomplicated delicious food, good service and friendly staff, it is a place that makes you feel you are eating at home.

Arcade Fashions Admoor Plumbing

Brandon Fichera APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR From left, Apprentice of the Year Award sponsor representative, Watters Electrical CEO, David Bassett with Apprentice of the Year award recipient, Brandon Fichera from Admoor Plumbing.

The judges noted that Brandon has had great satisfaction and encouragement from being granted trust of completing certain tasks without the need of direct supervision. Brandon has great insight into explaining to his customers in a practical sense how he will perform the tasks at hand and treats his customers with respect at all times.

Shane Sali

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Sponsor representative Quality Parklake Hotel Director, Matthew Georgiou with Entrepreneur of the Year award recipient, Shane Sali from Arcade Fashions.

The judges said Shane was chosen for this award, as he is not only constantly striving for different ways to succeed in his industry and in the most cost effective way, but he was the only nominee that recognised that, to have a successful business not only do you need to be efficient and effective at managing your business but also at influencing the obstacles around you.

There were two direct factors affecting Mr Sali’s business; one being the decisions made by the committee concerning the Shepparton community and the second being the quality of young retail employees. Mr Sali therefore became part of the Shepparton ShowMe Committee and he also mentors students at local schools about overcoming and influencing these obstacles.

Fun City Shepparton

Stephen’s Jewellers

BEST NEW BUSINESS UNDER 2 YEARS

BEST MARKETING/ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Award recipient, Fun City Shepparton Director, Darren Shaw with sponsor representative Jo Rathjen, Acting Business, Development Officer of the Greater Shepparton Business Centre.

Award sponsor representative, Shepparton ShowMe Co-ordinator, Mat Innes-Irons with Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign award recipient, Stephens Jewellers Proprietor, Stephen Schneider.

Darren Shaw

The judges noted that the journey to opening Fun City Shepparton in May 2015 has been very well planned and executed. A very clear business plan was constructed with strategies for growth and sustainable strategies to combat future challenges. Fun City has a very clear understanding of their target market and has demonstrated successful marketing strategies to attract these markets. The business has a strong advantage over its competitors and has reported many opportunities for growth. The state of the art equipment in Fun City not only leads the way in Shepparton but is a nationwide leader. The innovative methods and new technology used to assist with customer service and the ongoing training of staff is very impressive.

Fun City has demonstrated their involvement and contribution to the local community and their recognition of tourism as a major driver of business success is also evident.

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Stephen Schneider

The Judges said the rebranding of Showcase Jewellers to Stephens Jewellers is underpinned by a very clear strategy with the aim of better positioning the business in the diamond jewellery market and being able to offer more diverse products and experiences to customers. It was identified that “Stephen” as the proprietor of Showcase had a high profile that was leveraged to create the new brand.

In doing so, this assisted in retaining loyal customers, while creating the opportunity to attract new ones. The execution of the rebranding has been undertaken at the highest level and has been fully integrated across the business. Within a short period of time the brand has achieved a high level of awareness and has resulted in a growth in the customer base. The branding design clearly conveys a sense of quality and personalisation, and that purchasing a piece of jewellery, particularly diamonds, is actually an investment and a very personal decision.

2015 White King - Pental

Commonwealth Bank

Spiire

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD – PROFESSIONAL SERVICE OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICE OF THE YEAR

Award sponsor representative, Pental – White King Operations Manager, Carmine Conte with Customer Service of the Year/Professional award recipient, Sukh Sangha from the Commonwealth Bank.

From left, Business of the Year/Professional Services award recipient, Spiire Owner/Director, Michael Lewis with award sponsor representative, Bruce Roberts on behalf of WIN Manager, Lucas Coad and Spiire Manager, Jeramy Blight.

Sukh Sangha

The judges noted Sukh’s dedication in providing best customer service possible has earned him this award. He goes above and beyond to achieve best outcomes for his customers.

Michael Lewis & Jeramy Blight

The judges said Spiire was chosen as the winner for their professionalism and ability to articulate their business plan and structure. How they contribute to the community and their involvement in ensuring the local businesses are afforded the opportunity to partnership with their projects. The energy and passion with which Michael and Jeramy presented their strategy and goals was inspiring.

Coffee+ Tatura

John Morrow Refrigeration

Michelle Keen

Darren Maxted

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD – RETAIL SERVICE OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS AWARD - TRADE SERVICE OF THE YEAR

Award sponsor representative, Choice Group Director, Jamie Cox with Customer Service of the Year/Retail Services award recipient, Michelle Keen from Coffee+ Tatura.

The judges noted an overwhelming number of nominations from very impressed customers. Coffee+ have certainly had an impact with the coffee scene in Tatura and beyond.

Award recipient, John Morrow Refrigeration Director, Darren Maxted with award sponsor representative, The Adviser General Manager, Will Adams.

The judges noted that John Morrow employs 25 local staff, they employ their own electricians and plumbers – which enables the business to service their customers quicker and more efficiently, which they see as a major differentiator from other businesses.

They have an offsite weekly meeting with all staff and a monthly meeting with their accountant, their ability to articulate their local marketing plan, how they use technology to provide the best customer service to their customers and how they empower their staff to learn and develop and take their business into the future is commendable.

Rod Allemand Painting

Pillow Talk

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD – TRADE SERVICE OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS AWARD - RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Alan and Jason Collier Award sponsor representative, RACV Business Insurance Manager, Peter Stanley with Customer Service of the Year/Trade Services award recipients, Rod Allemand Painting Qualified Painters, Alan and Jason Collier.

The judges noted comments from their customers show that both Jason and Alan are leaders in their field. The knowledge and experience over many years of painting and decorating in the Goulburn Valley area have certainly contributed to attaining this award.

Lurline Le Neuf Award recipients, Pillow Talk 3IC, Jessica Mot, Manager, Lurline LeNeuf, Sales (representing 2IC), Stacey Bigg and award sponsor representative, Southern Cross Austereo General Manager, Leanne Hulm.

The judges said that this was a particularly difficult section to judge with a variety of retail formats and some quite outstanding stores. Pillow Talk showed great skills of range building within a department. The staff members have been selected from the community unemployed and 8 of those are still employed. Pillow Talk were a deserved winner from tough competition.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1274 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 – Page 19

Sam the flower man receives

Hall of Fame honour THE Shepparton Chamber of Commerce were thrilled to honour and welcome into the Hall of Fame Sam and Josie Renato during Friday night’s gala 2015 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards event.

Sam and Josie started their business, Renato’s Florist 34 years ago and are still in the original location in Wyndham Street.

They are proud to say they have two of their original staff members, Joyce and Anne still working with them, which is very rare these days in any retail business.

“Sam the flower man can” has been the recognised catch phrase of Renato’s Florist for many years and Renato’s Florist has been a much loved member of the local business community since its inception.

Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Officer, Lucy Cerrone said, “Sam is one of our community’s unsung heroes. From quietly behind the scenes, his generosity and support of the Shepparton community is immeasurable.

Sam and Josie have devoted countless hours in supporting the local Daffodil Day Committee for the Cancer Council over many years. They are dedicated and passionate about their work, excelling in delivering best customer service.

“Sam was awarded a Life Membership to The Chamber in 2011 and is now also heavily involved in doing community work with Shepparton Rotary Club.

“Renato’s Florist is a very deserving recipient of the Hall of Fame honour and we’re proud to recognise him as one of our own.”

Sam was very shocked and humbled by the honour on Friday night, he accepted the award solo as Josie had stayed at home, last minute, to babysit their grandchildren.

Sam said, “We’re extremely proud of our business. We’ve been building this business for a long time, we’ve devoted our life to it. It’s been like one of our children really and together we’ve created something that we enjoy doing and even after

2015 White King - Pental

DESERVING RECIPIENT… Renato’s Florist were honoured on Friday night with a Hall of Fame recognition during the 2015 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards. Pictured, Renato’s Florist Proprietor, Sam Renato. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

all of these years, we still enjoy doing.

“It’s hard work, but we just love our job and we love our customers. They make our day.

“This is a recognition of all of our hard work, but really

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we’re the ones that are grateful. We’re just so proud and this award has just topped off a magnificent year.

“We’re very happy.”