Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards
It was smiles all round for the 28 businesses and individuals that were rewarded on Saturday night (19.11.11) for their commitment to excellence and contribution to the local economy at the 17th Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards (SCEIBA).
A record 132 finalists competed for a total of 28 accolades across various business sectors including Business, Individual, Export, Innovation, Small Business of the Year, Enterprise of the Year and the prestigious Hall of Fame.
Ex-AFL footballer and Great South-East television host, Richard ‘Champs’ Champion and Hot 91.1FM’s Sami Muirhead announced the winners at the Rio-themed event staged at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Innovation Centre. Six hundred and fifty guests attended the sell-out affair with many sporting colourful costumes in line with the Rio theme. Entertainment included fire-performers, a roving samba band, showgirls, percussionists and aerial artists.
Entrants were judged on the results of a written submission, an onsite interview, a mystery shop and reference checks.
Speaking on behalf of Sunshine Coast Council as the major (Platinum) sponsor of the awards, Portfolio Councillor for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, Cr Lew Brennan told the assembled guests that the range of winners highlighted the diversity of businesses operating in the region and demonstrated that the Sunshine Coast was the place to do business.
“Council’s commitment to supporting local business and attracting investment in the region is one of the many reasons Council proudly supports these awards,” Cr Brennan said.
“This is a time to celebrate the success of our local businesses and to highlight the region’s Natural Advantages.”
Organisers of the awards, Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce’s President Ross Hepworth, encouraged attendees to acknowledge the contribution that small business made to the Sunshine Coast’s economy.
“Many of this year’s award winners are small businesses. This sector represents more than 90 percent of our region’s business and industry base.
“SCEIBA provides the perfect platform for us to recognise, reward and promote these businesses to the local community and help keep our economy growing.”
Ross also thanked SCEIBA’s many sponsors for their support.
“The generous support of our sponsors cannot be underestimated as it permits us to continue running the biggest business awards program in our region. We have already commenced planning for the 2012 awards.”
SCEIBA sponsors include: Sunshine Coast Council, Sunshine Coast TAFE, Suncorp Bank, Telstra Business, AusIndustry, Sunshine Coast Destination Limited, University of the Sunshine Coast (Faculty of Arts & Business), Mission Australia, Queensland Government, Sunshine Plaza, Seven Local News, Sunshine Coast Daily, Pomo, Hot 91.1FM, Zinc 96.1FM, dnd graphics, Mailezy and Cloud Nine Weddings.
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