DOWN TO BUSINESS IN AWARDS

Port Maquarie News - 17 Aug, 2011 04:00 AM

THE votes are in.

The 76 Business Choice category finalists for the 2011 Commonwealth Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards were announced last night.

A broad spectrum of businesses made the cut, from accommodation providers to creative services, from financial services to hospitality.

Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce executive officer Liesa Davies said a nomination was something to celebrate.

“The fact that we see a lot of different names on the finalist list each year is testament to our vibrant business community,” Ms Davies said.

The winner in each of the 19 Business Choice categories will be announced at the awards gala dinner at Port Macquarie Panthers on September 2.

The winner of the Business to Business Choice Award, the “gold Logie” of the night, will be chosen by the business community from the list of nominees and also awarded on the night.

Each of the 76 business choice nominees are in the running for the People’s Choice award with voting coupon on page 31.

The finalists for the independently judged awards category will be announced late next week.

There will be more on the finalists in a Port News feature to be published on Wednesday, Aughust 31

Finalists in the awards are:

• Accommodation: Macquarie Waters, Mercure Centro Hotel, Quality Resort Sails, and The Observatory.
• Automotive Services: ARB Port Macquarie, Grahams Mechanical Repairs, John Oxley Motors, and Leicht’s Tyres and Auto.
• Building, Trade Services and Suppliers: Dorvik Port Macquarie, Port Badges and Engraving, Pycon Homes, and Constructions and Verde Bamboo.
• Childcare, Education and Training: Port Macquarie Community Pre-School, Soul Surfing, St Columba Anglican School, and The Roving Trainer.
• Community and Social Services: Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Nova Employment, The Cancer Council of NSW - Mid North Coast, and Willing & Able Foundation.
• Creative Services, IT and Communications: Childish Photography, Focus, Joyer, and the Port News.
• Hair and Beauty Services: Aqua Vitae Day Spa, Blush Skin and Body Clinic, Endota Spa, and Port Macquarie Day Spa.
• Hotels and Clubs: Finnians Irish Tavern, Port City Bowling Club, Town Green Inn, and The Westport Club.
• Industry, Manufacturing and Engineering: Bennetts Steel, Mount Seaview Natural Spring Water, Peak Coffee, and Port Fresh Seafood.
• Legal, Financial and Insurance Services (large): Oxley Insurance Brokers, Holiday Coast Credit Union, NAB Business Banking, and Westpac Business Banking.
• Legal, Financial & Insurance Services (small): ANZ Port Macquarie-Oxley, BCU, Bendigo Bank, and Direction Accounting.
• Medical, Healthcare and Fitness: Emergency ID Australia, Everybody PT, Lake Cathie Medical Centre, and Life Express Fitness Centre.
• New Business: Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat, PETstock, The Fat Fish, and Zebu Bar and Grill.
• Professional and Business Services: Collins W Collins Building Design, Eather Recruitment, Men at Work, and Wauchope Travelworld.
• Real Estate and Residential Services: First National Port Macquarie, Laing+Simmons Property Management, McGrath, and PRD Nationwide.
• Restaurants, Cafes and Catering Services: Authentic Thai Orchid Restaurant, Fusion 7, The Milkbar Town Beach, and Zebu Bar and Grill.
• Retail (large): Bakers Delight, Ken Little’s Quality Fruit and Veg, Saltwater Wine Surf Centres, and Wiggly Tail Butchers.
• Retail (small): Broadway Shoes, Glasshouse Flowers, Lighthouse Cellars, and Moisture Cure.
• Tourism and Attractions: Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park, Glasshouse Arts Conference and Entertainment Centre, Majestic Cinemas, and Ricardoes Tomatoes.