The finalists in this year’s Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, supported by Fosters, were announced at an invitation-only event at SkyCity last night.
Leonard Gardner of Fosters speaking at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Finalist Announcement, SkyCity, Hamilton. Photo: Stephen Barker
Entrants, sponsors and judges gathered to hear the line-up of finalists for 11 categories. CEO of the Year doesn’t have finalists; the winner of that category will be announced on the night of the gala dinner on November 21.
And the gala dinner is shaping up to be even bigger than last year. The event was held for the first time in the GloboxArena last year as it had outgrown where it used to be held at Claudelands. Chamber marketing and events manager Rebecca Aston said tickets to the dinner are selling faster than they did last year.
“I’m really excited to see this year’s gala dinner come together. We had incredible feedback from people last year about the new, larger venue and I know guests are going to be wowed even more this year, with the scale of the event, the atmosphere we’re creating, and the extra touches we’ve added to make it a truly memorable night.”
Head judge Heather Connelly at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Finalist Announcement, SkyCity, Hamilton. Photo: Stephen Barker
Head judge Dr Heather Connolly said the awards play an important role in celebrating achievement and strengthening the business community.
“This year the panel of 30 judges were not only impressed by the outstanding quality of the finalists, but also by the number of entries we received,” Dr Connolly said.
“The entries highlighted an incredible variety of innovation and excellence, and the standard overall was very high. It’s also inspiring to see so many businesses putting themselves forward for the first time, bringing fresh stories, new perspectives, and real energy into the awards.
“As judges it’s a privilege to gain an inside look at the dedicated people behind these businesses, to learn about the challenges they’ve overcome, and to see first-hand what makes each of them so unique. Every business has a story worth telling, and these awards provide a platform to shine a well-deserved spotlight on that success.”
Rebecca extended thanks to the Business Awards sponsors and judges for their ongoing support.
The Waikato Business Awards are supported by Fosters, while the category sponsors are: Company-X, Fairview Motors, Deloitte, Hamilton Airport, Kiwibank, Montana Food & Events, Sleepyhead, Oyonnx, Trust Waikato, Union Square, the University of Waikato, Wintec and 2degrees.
Finalists are:
Best Emerging Business
Get Loaded Catering
Hamilton Pet Transport
Pact Steel
Business Growth & Strategy
Bettle Associates
Deep Dive Division
The Rite Group
Community Contribution
Action Manufacturing
My Mortgage
For Purpose
Braemar Charitable Trust
ConneXu 2020 Trust
Rauawaawa Kāumatua Charitable Trust
Innovation
Action Manufacturing
Deep Dive Division
Iconic Construction
RML Machinery
International Trade
Satco
Showcase Entertainment Group
Marketing
Iconic Construction
Rabobank
Volare Bread
Waikato Milking Systems
People & Culture
Action Manufacturing
Kmart Ruakura Distribution Centre
RML Machinery
Sentinel Homes Waikato
Service Excellence
JetPark Hamilton Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
Sentinel Homes Waikato
The Red Barn
TOLBECS Ear Clinic
Sustainability
Action Manufacturing
Pact Steel
The Red Barn
Emerging Leader of the Year finalists
Claire Williamson – My Mortgage
Stephanie Matatahi – JMM Insulation
Tim Doyle – Doyle Accountants
