HONOURS FOR OUR TOP BUSINESSES

News Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, page 8, Saturday 23rd October, 2004
By: Damian Bathersby

Excellence recognised at annual awards

A business which is well known around the world and another which enjoys a more localised following were the two big winners at the Excellence in Business Awards last night.

More than 600 people turned out at the Sunshine Coast University to see Australia Zoo take out the Excellence in Business – Macro Business Award while Swan Boat Hire, on the banks of the Maroochy River, received the Excellence in Business – Micro Business Award.

The 10th anniversary of the awards proved a gala night for Australia Zoo, with Steve and Terri Irwin on hand to also receive the Outstanding Global Business Awards in recognition of their contribution to the Sunshine Coast.

Awards coordinator Leigh Rachow said more than 320 nominations were received for this year’s awards which are designed to recognise businesses providing high quality service and products.

“We look to local business to provide employment and career opportunities, to support community and charity organisations, to represent and act as the Sunshine Coast’s ambassador… to provide us with products and services we need as a matter of course, yet it is not often these businesses get the acknowledgement and recognition they deserve,” she said.

“The Excellence in Business Awards is all about recognising those businesses who provide that and much more.”

Other big winners last night include Erick Buma of BizFurn Express Business Furniture, who was named Employee of the Year, and Zoe Sparks of Travelworld Caloundra who took out the title of Young Business Leader of the Year.

The Botanical Food Company won both the Agribusiness awards and the title of Best Large Manufacturer wile other winners on the night included The Termite Doctors in the services category and Neuendorf Interiors, Quick Fit Tyre Service and Red Zoo in the retail section.