PRESS RELEASE

Business Awards finalists reflect vitality of North Shore City

Finalists in the Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards 2003 represent the energy and vitality that are at the heart of North Shore City’s thriving business sector.

The finalists were selected by a ten-member independent judging panel who were impressed by the commitment of this year’s entrants and the exceptional breakthroughs and achievements they have made.

Awards Convenor of judges Gordon Lamont says the breadth of the industries represented by the finalists reflects the strong skill base and expertise of North Shore companies.

“The finalists run the gamut from the health industry and composite development and design to hospitality, furniture manufacturing and education.” Mr Lamont says.

“There are exporters, educators, product suppliers, retailers, information technology businesses and service industry companies. Their achievements are an inspiration.”

Mr Lamont made mention of two new categories in this year’s Awards – North Shore City Council Excellence in Tourism Award and Chelsea Sugar Excellence in Exporting Award.

“These are two tremendously important industries for the future of New Zealand’s economy and their inclusion in the Awards confirms the breadth and growth of economic development on the Shore.”

Enterprise North Shore's Chief Executive Terry Hoskins says it is rewarding that Enterprise North Shore has helped some of the finalists to prosper in their businesses.

He says all the finalists in these prestigious Awards are businesses that make a considerable contribution to the North Shore economy.

“Their influence is far-reaching,” Mr Hoskins says.

“Between them, the 26 business finalists employ approximately 695 full-time and 254 part-time staff, and two of the finalists employ more than 1000 casual staff between them. The majority of these people live in North Shore City. As well, the business finalists have relationships with suppliers and customers throughout our City who in turn reap the rewards of doing business with such extraordinary companies.”

Bruce McLachlan, General Manager Business Banking for Westpac, says the Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards has continued to attract businesses that consistently deliver exceptional performances.

“The finalists represent the top echelon of North Shore City’s energetic business community – they can feel proud of their achievements. These are companies that are working hard to please their customers and consistently bringing them new and exciting products and services.”

The judging panel sifted through 85 entries to determine the finalists of the 12 categories in the Awards. Now the panel will begin the task of determining the winners of each category and the ultimate accolade - the Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award.

The winners will be announced at a black tie Gala Dinner at Takapuna's Bruce Mason Centre on August 28.

The finalists in the Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards 2003 are:

AC Blackmore Excellence in Service Delivery Award
Hillside Building Supplies
Rodney Wayne Browns Bay
Trade Tech NZ

Massey University Excellence in Technology Award
Albany Mowers & Machinery
High Modulus
Intrahealth Systems
Orcon Internet

3M Excellence in Innovation Award
Brustics Brushwood Fences
Intrahealth Systems
My Goodness Gift Baskets
Orcon Internet

Tertiary Education Commission Excellence in Workplace Training Award
Apprenticeship Training Trust
Consumer Link
Panda Catering

Telecom Local Directories Best Emerging Business Award
Eco Insulation
Petals ‘n Pots
Terrabyte Screenprint

Actionmail & Alliance Construction Excellence in Marketing Award
Brustics Brushwood Fences
Kristin School
McLaren Brown Publishing

North Shore Times Advertiser Community Contribution Award
Advanced Computers
Warehouse Stationery

TMP/Hudson Global Resources Employer of Choice Award
Hillside Building Supplies
Pinehurst School
Warehouse Stationery

Smales Farm Excellence in Environmental Management Award
Eco Insulation
Kristin School
Precision Autowerk

ACC ThinkSafe Workplace Safety Award
de Bruin-Judge Furniture
Heletranz
Troake Group

North Shore City Council Excellence in Tourism Award
McLaren Brown Publishing
The Spencer on Byron

Chelsea Sugar Excellence in Exporting Award
High Modulus
Tacit Group

Each award winner will be eligible for the ultimate award - the Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award.

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