TWEED BUSINESSES have dominated the 2016 Northern Rivers Business Awards winning five of the twelve awards including Regional Business of the Year at the awards gala last Saturday, September 24.
Stone & Wood Brewery took home the top prize of Regional Business of the Year as well as Employer of Choice and Excellence in Sustainability.
Organisers of the event praised the business, “Stone and Wood isn’t just about beer, it’s about giving back to those that support the company.
“We would like to congratulate them on not only preventing the region from going thirsty but also providing their staff with a workplace of which they can be proud.
“Since its establishment in the area in 2008, Stone and Wood Brewing Co has embraced the culture of the Northern Rivers region, and this has heavily influenced everything the company does.
Aside from brewing great beer, the company has a tremendous focus on sustainability (they often advocate for eco-friendly packaging trends) and the well-being of its workforce, which have been highlighted on social media platforms by the company itself. As a result, more and more people have become aware of their initiatives. Even other businesses seem to have taken cues from the noble endeavours of Stone & Wood Brewery in ways more than one. Firstly, businesses have understood the importance of introducing the concept of sustainability in the capitalistic market. Next, they have understood the cruciality of using social media, like TikTok (click here to check the stats of the platform that marketers need to know) or Instagram, in promoting the good deeds of any business.
“Stone & Wood will be representing our region at the NSW Business Chamber State Awards in the categories of Sustainability and Employer of Choice. We wish them the best of luck.”
This adds to the Champion Large Australian Brewer award they won at the Australian International Beer Awards in May. Many businesses receive such status and accolades only after a Reputation management firm helps them improve their status. But Stone and Wood Brewing Co.’s feat has left everyone stunned and amazed at their excellent growth curve. The reason for this could be that their employees have excelled in their work. Any firm, big or small, can taste success if the workers give their best to the work. However, for that to happen, employers must encourage and motivate employees. They should show that their employees are not dispensable and consider offering them benefits such as key man insurance (interested individuals can take a look at key man insurance calculator to understand the cost they might incur to insure their employees), gift cards, and bonuses at regular intervals. With proper encouragement and motivation towards employees, any firm can survive the cutthroat competition and excel in the industry.
Anyway, coming back to the topic, Husk Distillers picked up the award for Excellence in Innovation. The distillery was also awarded Best Spirits Innovation at the Australian Drinks Awards earlier this month.
“We are chuffed to have been awarded Excellence in Innovation at this years Northern Rivers NSW Business Chamber Awards for our paddock to bottle approach and for our unique Ink Gin,” said the distiller.
Nathan Day from IC Signs won the Young Entrepreneur award for the second time, he previously won the award in 2014.
“We are feeling so very proud and honoured today, and would like to thank our family, friends, staff, our local chambers of commerce and most importantly our amazing clients. Without all of you we wouldn’t be where we are today, so thank you thank you,” they said on social media.
“Nathan’s heart and soul has gone into creating IC Signs to what it is today, being awarded with this prestigious award twice this year is such an honour! Having your own business isn’t an easy ride but it sure is worth it.”
The 2016 regional winners will proceed as finalists representing the Northern Rivers region at the NSW Business Chamber State Business Awards to be held in Sydney on Friday, November 25.
Organisers said, “We are looking forward to celebrating with the businesses that are moving through to the NSW Business Chamber State Awards on the 25th November to be held at Luna Park.
“With the calibre of businesses representing our beautiful region we are sure they will return with a swag of awards.
“A huge congratulations to the amazing finalists and category winners at this years’ Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards.
“It was a fantastic evening that showcased the amazing businesses operating in the Tweed Shire to Grafton.
“A massive thank you to all those who attended the evening and our valued sponsors who made the night possible.”
Awards
Young Entrepreneur
Nathan Day, IC Signs – Tweed Heads
Young Business Executive
Kirsty Christensen, Fresh Dental Care – Grafton
Business Leader
Caroline Meehan, Heartfelt Homes – Ballina
Employer of Choice
Stone & Wood Brewing Co – Murwillumbah
Excellence in Innovation
Husk Distillers – Tumbulgum
Excellence in Sustainability
Stone & Wood Brewing Co – Murwillumbah
Excellence in Small Business
Solprom Coaster Kings – Ballina
Excellence in Business
Casino RSM Club – Casino
Excellence in Business Ethics
The Farm Byron Bay – Byron Bay
Excellence in Export
Hemp Foods Australia – Bangalow
Local Chamber of Commerce
Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc – Lismore
Regional Business of the Year
Stone & Wood Brewing Co – Murwillumbah