The Northam Chamber of Commerce held its annual Avon Valley Business Excellence awards last Thursday night, which celebrated local businesses and people contributing positively to the region.
There were 138 people at the awards presentation with finalists from across the Avon Valley region.
The trophies were made by the Wundowie Men’s Shed out of jarrah and pine.
Wundowie Men’s Shed president Terry Little said each trophy was cut individually with a scroll saw.
“It looked better that way,” said Mr Little.
“We took our time and were happy with the finished product.”
Chamber of Commerce president Paul Tomlinson said the night was an excellent celebration of the high business delivery standard in the region.
“It is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate people contributing to this,” said Mr Tomlinson.
He acknowledged the event was so popular this year it sold out and some people were unable to purchase tickets.
He said next year, the presentation format will be reassessed, so the presentation can be contained to a reasonable time.
Each business was nominated by clients and customers. The Chamber receives these nominations then engages secret shoppers to visit the nominees on several occasions.
The secret shoppers then select their top picks which are presented to a small selection panel from the business community that make the final decision.
Mr Tomlinson said the night was timed well with all the new developments underway in the community. “There is a real positive vibe within the community,” he said.
BUSINESS WINNERS
Small Business Development Corporation Community Engagement Award: Purslowe Tinetti Funerals - Rob and Dianne Tinetti
Southern Cross Austereo Not for Profit Business 2017: Heartlands WA Inc and Share and Care - Carmel Ross representing Heartlands WA and Trisha Ellis representing Share and Care
Avon Community Development Corporation Best Retail Business with 0-10 Employees 2017: The Meat Hook Toodyay - Anthea Brown and Luke Jones
Avon Community Development Corporation Best Service Business with 0-10 Employees 2017: Avon Valley Glass - Pete Grant and Kristy Jachmann
Northam Mitre 10 Best Business with 11+ Employees 2017: Toodyay Bakery and Cafe - Jason and Cassie Marion
RSM Australia Best New Startup Business 2017: Hairitage Hair by Lisa (Lisa Buckingham) and a Highly Commended Award was made to Bubbles and Suds (Rebekah and Earnest Ervin)
Small Business Development Corporation Best Home-Based Business of the Year 2017: Grove Wesley Design Art (Karen and Vicki) and a Highly Commended Award was made to Butlers Equine (Simone Parker)
Shire of Northam Best Artisanal Business 2017: Toodyay Farmers Market (Annette LaBouchardiere)
Heartlands WA Best Innovative Business for 2017: Cafe Yasou (Anne Ryan)
Northam Chamber of Commerce People's Choice Award: Happy Days Coffee Pot (Sue and Brad Day)
The Ray Head Community Award: Comfort Quilts Against Cancer (Bronwyn Dunn)
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS
The Rotary Club of Northam Most Valuable Employee of the Year: Tina Tinetti Smith
Northam Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Customer Service: Rhyce Toovey of Shear Elegance for Hair and Beth Allan of Route 94
Directions Workforce Solutions, The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee of the Year: Patrick Miles from Woolworths Northam
Avon Valley Motor Group Young Business Person of the Year 2017: Nikasha Brockman, Stormin' Hair Designs
WA Country Builders Rural Building Company Business Person of the Year 2017: Andrew Quin, Quin's Gourmet Butchers
WA Country Builders Rural Building Company - The Judges Award, The Avon Valley Business of the Year 2017: Winner Purslowe Tinetti Funerals
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
