The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce celebrated the highly anticipated Best in Business Awards on Thursday, 29th August, with a dazzling evening of recognition and celebration at the Mackay Masonic Hall. After nearly 15 years without a dedicated awards night for local Chamber businesses, over 150 attendees gathered for a sold-out event, proving that the appetite for recognising business excellence is alive and well in Mackay.
The event kicked off with red carpet arrivals captured at The Dispensary, as the Mackay business community came together to celebrate their achievements in style.
Keynote speaker Tom Potter, founder of the Eagle Boys franchise, entertained the crowd with his candid and humorous stories about guerrilla marketing and the ups and downs of running a business.
Mackay Chamber of Commerce President Geoff O’Connor expressed his excitement at the return of the awards, noting how much the business community appreciated the opportunity to celebrate their peers.
"The return of the Best in Business Awards has been a long time coming. The incredible turnout suggests that there is a real appetite within the business community to celebrate success," Mr O’Connor said.
"There was such a strong feeling of support and encouragement in the room, and we are extremely proud to have provided a platform to showcase our amazing local businesses."
Mr O’Connor also extended his gratitude to the Chamber team, particularly Vice President Madeleine Connors, for the success of the evening.
"A huge thank you and congratulations to our team for pulling this event together. It’s a night we won’t forget."
The Best in Business Awards honoured standout businesses across seven categories, recognising innovation, community impact, and leadership. Here are the winners:
Winners List:
• Ground Breaker Award (Innovation): Let the Children Play
• Heart of Gold (Not for Profit Award): The Neighbourhood Hub
• Next Big Thing (New Business Award): Cheeky Little Monkeys Play Centre
• It’s Not Easy Being Green (Environmental Award): Healthy Clean and Green
• Legacy Legends (Family Owned Business Award): Porters Mitre Ten
• Mover of Mountains (Business Person of the Year): Dr Suzanne Francisco (Habitude)
• Small But Mighty (Small Business of the Year): 3DPrintRV
The Cheeky Little Monkeys team celebrates their big win at the Best in Business Awards, taking home the Next Big Thing Award. Photo credit: Coffee and Hops
Dr Suzanne Francisco of Habitude beams with pride as she receives the Mover of Mountains Award for Business Person of the Year
The Chamber of Commerce committee, (L-R Cathy Sullivan, Ellen Madden, Elizabeth Dent, Geoff O’Connor, Madeleine Connors, Vicki Smith, James Wortley), enjoy a successful Best in Business Awards night
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