By BRIDGET COOK
WASTECH Engineering has cleaned up in the 2013 Casey Business Awards, taking out the top gong on Thursday night.
The Hallam-based business, which supplies products and solutions for the recycling and waste industries, was crowned the Casey Business of the Year at a gala presentation dinner at the Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park. The business also won the Manufacturer category.
One of the judges, Nicola England, said Wastech Engineering was given the accolade for a number of reasons.
“This is a dynamically run business with a base of sound organisational policies, key strategies, goals and visions,” she said.
“This business displays extreme professionalism, forward thinking and planning to counteract current and ongoing industry conditions and competition.
There were two other dual award winners, with Yoga Plus winning the Health, Education and Wellbeing and Commendation awards and Successful Endeavours won Business and Professional Services and Innovation awards.
JD Propagation took out the Agricultural and Primary Industries category, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park the Hospitality and Tourism category, Casey Childcare and Kindergarten the New Business award and iBare Giftware the Retailer category.
Kelly Sports Berwick and Ooh La La Cupcakes were joint winners of the Home Based Business award.
The Social Enterprise award was won by Blairlogie Living and Learning, Trades and Construction award by TRJ Engineering and Environmental Award by Eco Kids Childcare Centre.
The winners were chosen from 91 applications from 61 businesses across the municipality.
Speaking at the gala presentation dinner, City of Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon said the awards recognised the outstanding contribution the business sector makes to the city and highlights the success and innovation of our local businesses to the wider community.
“Tonight we celebrate some real local success stories whose achievements are all the more remarkable, given the difficult economic conditions here and overseas,” she said.
“Our business community is working proof that the City of Casey is not only a great place to live, but also to invest and run a business – and that’s something we want everyone to know.”
Cr Stapledon said the judges looked for innovation, environmental sustainability, business planning, access for all and enthusiasm.
“The finalists in the 2013 Casey Business Awards display all of these qualities, and are a fine example of strong businesses with all the hallmarks of success today and into the future,” she said.
“May I extend my sincere congratulations to all our finalists and tonight’s winners.
“You are the stars of tonight’s show, in recognition of all the things you are doing right – and of the contribution you make to a vibrant business community in Casey.”
