A HOMEWARES retailer, a disability service provider and a children’s play centre were among the businesses recognised in the 2016 Macleay Valley Business Awards.
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The 25 winners were announced at a gala dinner attended by over 200 guests at the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club.
Guests were treated to a sit down dinner and live entertainment as they heard the winners’ names announced by MC, Manning Civic Centre’s Jeremy Miller.
Mr Miller created a sense of optimism and fun, telling potential winners that there would be an award for “best run up to stage” and that “winners are encouraged to yell and scream”.
Mr Miller was even joined by Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks marketing manager Danielle Cooney in a short karaoke performance of You’ve lost that loving feeling.
Ms Cooney said she was proud of the local business community – particularly the award winners.
“These winners demonstrate that passion and determination coupled with strong business acumen can turn a dream into a profitable and sustainable business,” Ms Cooney said.
Chamber president Gary Scott said there had been a record number of 55 entrants in the 2016 awards.
“The quality and diversity of the entries across each of the awards was excellent,” Mr Scott said. “It’s fantastic to see so many passionate, motivated professionals who are building a solid future for the Macleay Valley.”
‘Young entrepreneur of the year’, Ashley Moorehead of Buddy & Me, delivered a passionate speech highlighting the supportive nature of the local business community.
“I look around me and I see a fabulous, inspiring group of people,” Mrs Moorehead said. “I am so excited to be part of this and pledge to continue to inspire and encourage young entrepreneurs in our region.”
‘Business leader of the year’ Michael Milicevic of Macleay Options was ‘humbled’ by the award and thanked his large team of employees.
“Tonight is so right,” Mr Milicevic said. “It’s like being out in the surf and there’s a big wave coming in. That’s what’s happening to the business community in Kempsey.
Organiser Bernadette O’Sullivan said she was ‘thrilled’ with the event.
“The highlight for me was the range of businesses who entered and the new faces who attended the event,” Ms O’Sullivan said. “It was great to see such a high representation from South West Rocks businesses.”
“It was just a great celebration of local success. My knees are still sore from dancing!”
The winners were selected from 115 nominees and will go on to compete at the Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards next month.
