Geelong Advertiser general manager Mark Gardy, right, congratulates Gordon McKay managing director Gavin McKay on winning to 2009 Geelong Advertiser Business Excellence Award.

GLOS Nailbar staff Renee Farrugia, director Ali Waight, Charlie Launer, Catherine Larcey, Karina Freire, Wendy Dowel and Suzi Ceni celebrate after winning the RACV Business Insurance Retail Award.

JUDGES COMMENT

The owner showed a real passion for the business as well as for the customers. Rigid business operations and a standardised approach by all staff members means that all clients will receive the same service no matter which staff member sees them

VECCI’s James Gulli with Business Technology Specialists director Stan Corner and staff Mellissa Corner (front left)and back Peter Willigen, Jermaine De Neronha, Kathleen Rousseaux, Paul De Wit, Dan Blonk and Richard Crabbe.

JUDGES COMMENT

The business projects a totally professional can-do and responsive attitude that is characterised by clever and logical planning and a high level of staff involvement and participation. The owner has passion for the business but has used the past 12 months as a period of self and business assessment and has worked on developing systems and processes that help to diminish the business’ reliance on his particular characteristics and abilities.

WHK’s Andrew Conlan, Wendy Maloney, Ruth Annett, Barry Kittelty and Chris Humphrey celebrate winning the Hardings Hardware Commercial Services Award with Adrian McNaughton, second from right.

JUDGES COMMENT

There is a very strong and well developed strategic planning process. A vision has been developed and significant resources committed to implement the plans, including input from all departments. There is a strong emphasis on input from employees. Management is establishing a positive culture and working environment—leading from the top. But cultural change takes time and commitment—continue with plans in place to maintain direction.