A SHOWCASE of diversity and leadership headlined the inaugural Lockhart Shire Business Excellence Awards.
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In announcing the initiative late last year shire mayor Rodger Schirmer emphasised that the awards were an ideal platform to recognise and identify what the region has to offer.
And for those involved the concept certainly didn’t disappoint.
The Lockahart IGA is a flagship business for the region and employs 20 people. The supermarket was recognised for contribution and excellence and won the business of the year award.
But the accolades didn’t stop there.
Employees of the IGA also earned nominations and awards too.
Olivia McDonnell, 16, works at the IGA and was named employee of the year. Her fellow colleagues Cheryl Farrell and Zac Denman were also nominated in the same award.
Geraldine Matthews congratulated the organisers of the awards and said it was wonderful to do so well.
“It is good too, to recognise what good employees we have in Lockhart,” she said.
Mrs Matthews said the awards really showcased what the region had to offer and she was heartened by the support from politicians and community leaders.
The IGA at Lockhart is currently undergoing some renovations and Mrs Matthews said the timing of the award was significant given this current commitment.
“It really is an achievement,” she said. Mrs Matthews and husband Bob have been associated with the Lockhart IGA for 28 years.
“It is an amazing community,” she said.
Member for Riverina and minister for small business Michael McCormack spent the day in Lockhart and attended the award presentations.
“I was proud not only as the local Member for Riverina, but also as the Small Business Minister to visit the businesses of a number of the award nominees and winners, including meeting with a number of apprentices and entrepreneurs to hear their success stories,” he said.
“I was also able to listen to the concerns of shop owners about how business is going and what more the government can do to support small business,” he said.
“It was a great night and I’m pleased I was able to attend the inaugural Lockhart Shire Council – Lockhart Rotary Small Business Awards night showcasing excellence in small business in the Lockhart Shire.”
He said it was so important to recognise and celebrate the positive contribution small businesses make, not only to local communities but the economy as well.