NEWCASTLE Airport has landed two of the key recognitions at the the Hunter Business Chamber Awards.
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Airport chief executive officer Peter Cock was declared the joint winner of the business leader of the year category with Lake Macquarie chief executive officer Morven Cameron at the gala event on Friday at NEX in Newcastle.
Newcastle Airport also won the coveted president's award, which recognises companies, organisations or individuals who add special value to doing business in the Hunter.
Chamber president Hennie du Plooy said he chose the airport as the President's Award recipient because of the contribution it is making to the current and future prosperity of the region.
"The Airport has developed concentrated strategies to build new domestic and international markets, increase visitation, expand the facility and further the region's position as an aerospace hub," he said.
"These initiatives have significant implications for the growth of tourism and trade, research and education, investment attraction and the development of new industries and jobs of the future."
Mr du Plooy said the Airport was also a good corporate citizen considering its support of the Committee for the Hunter and many community and business events.
Awards were presented in 17 categories before nearly 600 people at a gala event sponsored by the University of Newcastle.
The Kristen Keegan Young Business Executive Award was won by Martin Corrigan, an operations superintendent at Port Waratah Coal Services.
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year was Jade Chislett, whose company Just Like You Dolls creates custom-made dolls for children with disabilities who wear medical devices.
Out of the Square Media won the Contribution to the Region Award, in recognition of the self-funded 'passion projects' it has created to promote the Hunter, such as its Region Ready and Feel Inspired video productions.
Chamber CEO Bob Hawes said the record number of entries this year had produced a high-calibre field of finalists.
"Our annual awards night shows the great strength and diversity of business and industry across the region, from start ups and micro businesses to major organisations across a range of sectors," he said.
"The joint winners of our Business Leader of the Year Award are a perfect illustration of that diversity.
"Although Peter and Morven come from very different sectors serving substantially different markets, they both bring strong personal attributes to their roles that have significantly influenced the direction and corporate culture of their organisations."
The winners are as follows:
Business Leader of the Year (Sponsored by CPA): Peter Cock, Newcastle Airport and Morven Cameron, Lake Macquarie City Council
President's Award (sponsor: Sparke Helmore): Newcastle Airport
Kristen Keegan Young Business Executive (18-30) (sponsor: Quarry Mining): Martin Corrigan, PWCS
Outstanding Young Entrepreneur (18-30): Jade Chislett, Just Like You Dolls
Contribution to the Region (sponsor: Port Authority of NSW): Out of the Square Media
Outstanding Employer of Choice (sponsor: NCIG): Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service
Excellence in Micro Business (sponsor: Glencore): Tighes Hill Cellars
Excellence in Small Business (sponsor: Newcastle Herald): Funda
Excellence in Business (sponsor: NSW Minerals Council): ATUNE Health Centres
Excellence in Social Enterprise (sponsor: Compass Housing): ProCare
Highly Commended (Social Enterprise): Allambi Care
Excellence in Innovation (sponsor: Pitcher Partners): Ampcontrol
Excellence in Export (sponsor: Port of Newcastle) : Whiteley Corporation
Excellence in Sustainability (sponsor: Umwelt): Downer EDI Works
Start Up Superstar (sponsor: AICD): Hunter Allied Care
Local Chamber of Commerce (sponsor: Service NSW): Tomaree Business Chamber
Excellence in Retail & Hospitality: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Love Water, Love Business (sponsor: Hunter Water): Morisset Hospital
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