Winners Announced – 2010 Business Excellence Awards

The Winners of the 2010 Business Excellence Awards (Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce) were announced last night at a Gala Dinner held at the Lesmurdie Club Boronia Room. Guest MC Mr Peter Holland hosted the event with 117 guests enjoying a sumptuous three course meal whilst being entertained by local guitarist Dave Rivett.

Guests included; Mr James Trail (CEO Shire of Kalamunda), Cr Donald McKechnie (President Shire of Kalamunda), Cr Noreen Townsend as well as many local businesses owners, chamber life members and other guests.

A silent auction was held to raise money for the Kalamunda Schoolies Timor Leste Project which raised $3336. Thank you to the kind donations made by many local businesses and the generosity of the guests at the dinner, the proceeds will be greatly appreciated.

The Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce recognises success, exceptional skills and innovation within the shire of Kalamunda business community. We believe the standard in which our community operates is unique and would like to instil confidence and awareness within our community. The Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner is the premier event on the Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce business calendar with business and business leaders being recognised for their outstanding achievements throughout the year.

Congratulations to the following businesses who received awards for 2010;

Presidents Award:
Kalamunda Village Market (Rotary Kalamunda)

Micro Business of the Year:
Fawkes House Country Spa Retreat

Small Business of the Year:
Brumbys Kalamunda

Medium/Large Business of the Year:
Nightingales Pharmacy & Newsagency

Outstanding Customer Service:
Kalamunda Plumbing and Hot Water

Staff Training and Development:
Kalamunda Plumbing and Hot Water

Dining Establishment of the Year:
Blue Ox Steakhouse

Retail Business of the Year:
Zanthorrea Nursery

Business Person of the Year
Jackie Hooper (Zanthorrea Nursery)

Best New Business:
Annasha Day Spa Retreat

Outstanding Tourism Business:
Calamunnda Camel Farm

Kalamunda Farmers Market – Best Stallholder:
Bread for Life (Sonia)

In addition to the winning businesses mentioned above, two Chamber Members were last night awarded Life Memberships. Mr Peter Stewart (Benchmark Consultants) and Mr Brian Davis (Kalamunda Bookshop ABC Centre) were each awarded Life Memberships for their years of dedication and service to the Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce.

The Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce 2010 Business Excellence Awards were proudly supported by the Shire of Kalamunda, Small Business Development Centre and Echo Newspaper.

The Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce works to promote, develop and support business within the Shire of Kalamunda. For further information please see our website www.kalamundachamber.com.

END

Lisa Harrap
Executive Officer

John excelled in his supervisory role and Carol was as brilliant as ever in all aspects of food and service.

Well its back over to us until our next trip. The fires are blazing and Richard is just keeping up with the chopping. Roast beef is very popular at present with our guests as are our homemade soups and steamed puds!

The Shire of Kalaunda has just launched a series of guided walks which our guests have been exploring. Daffodils are coming into bloom and the ground is a mass of fallen leaves to walk through.

Thinking of offering complimentary glasses of mulled wine on arrival what do you think?

Ms Joss was presented with the prize by Market Manager Steve Harrap and co-owner of Fawkes House Caroline Babbage.

Fawkes House is nestled in the beautiful Carmel Valley, just 25 minutes from Perth CBD and 15 minutes from the Perth international and domestic airports, Fawkes House Country Spa Retreat offers peace and relaxation. The retreat is surrounded by orchards and vineyards and provides the perfect setting for a romantic weekend,  a mid-week break, or as a base to explore the Perth area and its many attractions.

Mr Harrap congratulated the winner and said, “The 100,000^th customer is a significant milestone for the Kalamunda Farmers Market and shows how popular the market has become.”

Farmers markets are gaining popularity because consumers are realising that fresh locally grown food tastes better, and lasts longer, best of all buying local produce helps our own local economy and local farmers. In addition, as food does not have to travel so far to reach consumers, it is also reducing environmental impact. With the farmers market, local farmers can once again become viable and consumers have access to fresh, healthy foods.

Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce President Robert Bentley said, “We encourage shoppers to be vocal about buying local. The Market is now averaging between 2,000 and 3,000 customers on any given Sunday – However produce is available to cater for up to 6,000.”

“We have over 50,000 residents in the Shire of Kalamunda, so I have no doubt that a large number of community members are not aware of the Farmers Market yet, or haven’t came along to see what all the fuss is about. We would love our regular shoppers to continue to spread the word and encourage our community to embrace the market and support our local farmers and producers.”

The Kalamunda Farmers Market is a true farmers market, where shoppers can buy direct from the farmer, grower or producer in the Perth hills. The market operates every Sunday morning in the Central Mall, Kalamunda. The Kalamunda Farmers Market is also has a wide range of organic and biodynamic fruit and vegetables. To find out the latest details on the Market, stall holders, available produce and all the latest news and announcements go to www.kalamundachamber.com.au.