WAGGA businesses have cleaned up at the regional business awards held at the weekend, with four winners in four separate categories announced.
The Murray-Riverina Regional Business Awards is the night of nights for businesses in the Riverina – and for the first time in recent memory, Wagga had more nominations than its friendly rival Albury.
Young business executive was taken out by Commonwealth Bank Wagga’s Sara Sutton, while the business leader gong was jointly won by Riverina Hand Therapy’s Amy Geach.
Solar Professionals won the small business excellence category. And to top the evening off, the city’s voice for small business – the Wagga Business Chamber – edged out its rivals to claim local chamber of commerce of the year.
Wagga Business Chamber (WBC) president Tim Rose was ecstatic with the city’s success at the awards.
“Wagga businesses carried off with half the awards,” he said. “It’s really gratifying how smart some of the people we have operating in our region are. We’ve got a really great offering here and it’s something we should be proud of.”
Speaking of the chamber’s success, Mr Rose said it tried to build relationships with the small business community – and fight for them on issues that mattered.
“We are really trying to alleviate some of the stresses that small businesses have, particularly with government regulations,” he said.
WBC manager Michelle Bray said a positive sign of its success was seen in its membership base.
“In less than 12 months, we have managed to double chamber membership and increase the level of service to encourage member retention,” she said. “We are passionate about advocating for local business and building a network that encourages support, sustainability and growth.”
One such business that has witnessed huge growth is Solar Professionals.
Managing director Andrew Meurant said his business is now pushing into metropolitan areas.
“It generally goes the other way,” he said. “My advice to aspiring business owners is to think about your ideas and back yourself.”
