By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
THE most outstanding businesses in the region were recognised at the Casey Cardinia Business Awards finalist announcements on Monday night.
Applicants from around the region were invited to attend the event, held at Monash University’s Berwick campus.
Three finalists were chosen from every category.
The evening was hosted by David Wilkinson, manager of Strategic Development at the City of Casey, with awards presented by Cardinia Mayor Leticia Wilmot and Casey Mayor Mick Morland. Councillors from both cities were also present.
In her welcoming speech, Cr Wilmot said that thriving business were crucial to the region, which was the second fastest growing in Australia.
“We need a strong business and investment environment to ensure that we flourish,” she said.
“The businesses awarded tonight are each making a significant impact on our local economy.
“I congratulate the nominees and finalists of this year’s awards and look forward to seeing the winners announced in October.”
Voting has now opened for the overall winner of the People’s Choice award, which is available online at www.e-award.com.au/2015/ccba/peopleschoice.
The winners of each category will be announced at the gala awards dinner on Thursday 22 October at Cranbourne Racing Centre.
Finalists were:
Agriculture and Food Business of the Year
JD Propagation
Mountain Harvest Foods
Ten-Rose International Simmental
Business and Professional Services Business of the Year
Jotterbug Creative
Metamorph Business
Successful Endeavours
Health, Education and Wellbeing Business of the Year
Emerald Medical Centre
Hero Head Quarters
Kinders Together Assoc Inc
Home Based Business of the Year
Helping Hand is Here
Jotterbug Creative
Kelly Sports Berwick
Hospitality Business of the Year
Ambrosia Cafe Bar Foodstore
Cardinia Park Hotel
O MY Restaurant
Manufacturer of the Year
Australian Precision Technology
Successful Endeavours
Wastech Engineering
New Business of the Year
Car Megamart
Metamorph Business
Pawz Inc
Retailer of the Year
Berwick Mazda
In Beauty
Pawz Inc
Social Enterprise of the Year
Casey North Community Information and Support Service
Cranbourne Information and Support Service
Waverley Industries
Tourism Business of the Year
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Pakenham Racing Club
Quest Narre Warren
Trades and Construction of the Year
Cranbourne Body Works
K & D Bak Painting and Decorating
KD Landscapes
Environmental Sustainability of the Year
Beaconsfield Dental
K & D Bak Painting and Decorating
Ten-Rose International Simmental