The Geelong Business Excellence Awards is an event that embodies the spirit of innovation, dedication and success that defines our thriving business community. The awards stand as a beacon of recognition for businesses that have continually raised the bar in their pursuit of excellence. In a world where change is a constant, the ability to adapt, innovate and excel is paramount. These awards celebrate the tireless efforts and remarkable achievements of our community.
Further enhancing the quality of this year's awards, entries received in 2023 are a testament to our region's relentless commitment, innovative thinking and profound dedication to driving positive change. As business leaders, we share a common vision of making a lasting impact on our community; one of Australia's fastest growing regional cities.
To our distinguished panel of judges, your expertise and impartiality ensure that the entries and winners we assess and ultimately honour as winners truly represent the pinnacle of Geelong's business community. Your discerning judgment is invaluable, and your volunteered time is greatly appreciated.
Beyond the accolades, we must remember the importance of giving back. Successful businesses have a unique role in shaping the future of our community and its environment. This year's event is again, very proudly, certified carbon neutral. We as a Chamber and Awards program continue to lead the way in sustainable event delivery and will continue to do so in years to come.
The Geelong Business Excellence Awards are more than just a celebration of past successes; they are a source of entrepreneurialism, inspired growth and future endeavours. Together, we can achieve greatness, adapt to change and continue to thrive in the face of adversity.
I extend my heartfelt best wishes and congratulations to all businesses involved this year and look forward to celebrating with you. Let us forge ahead, united in our commitment to support one another and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous Geelong.
The Geelong Business Excellence Awards celebrate Geelong businesses and recognise organisations that have achieved business excellence in the Geelong region.
At LBW Business + Wealth Advisors (LBW), the success of Geelong businesses, is our business. As leading business advisors that support the ongoing growth of local organisations, big and small, we are honoured to be the major sponsor in 2023.
LBW is committed to partnering with businesses and providing them with the compliance and advisory support they need to successfully face any challenge and prosper. We are excited to help identify and celebrate these incredibly talented, hardworking individuals and collectives.
At LBW, we are proud to sponsor the 2023 Awards and of our 15-year history including judging panel, Chamber Board representation and category sponsor of the Business of the Year.
Recognises entrepreneurial achievement among business professionals and business owners (aged between 18 and 40 years) who demonstrate leadership, vision and success.
Deakin values and fosters entrepreneurship because we know that creative and adaptable graduates are the ones who will make meaningful contributions to our local communities and the world. Entrepreneurialism is an invaluable mindset of all graduates. It's a mindset that can influence how students solve challenges, cultivating new ways of doing things rather than accepting the way they have always been.
Celebrates a business that has demonstrated sustainable and circular economy initiatives that are good for the business, the community and the environment.
We are passionate about educating, building and facilitating a sustainable digital footprint. Through the re-use of devices, we can close the digital divide and also help reduce e-waste. We are excited to sponsor this category in the Geelong Business Excellence Awards for the second year running and congratulate the Geelong Chamber for making this event carbon neutral. We extend our congratulations to all finalists and look forward to working with the 2023 winner.
Recognises a business that operates with 21 or more full time employees.
EML is excited to sponsor the Awards again this year and be part of celebrating the success and ingenuity of businesses in Geelong. EML is an Australian-owned and operated personal injury manager - we've been helping people get their lives back after work-related illness or injury for more than 110 years. In Victoria, our 520 strong team is based across our offices in Melbourne, CBD and Geelong, to provide dedicated support to our regional customers. We wish all finalists the best of luck and look forward to a fantastic celebration!
Celebrates a business in the manufacturing, engineering, building or trade industries.
As one of the largest manufacturers in the region and one closely linked to engineering building and trade industries, we are very much invested in the success of businesses operating within the sector. We want to see these businesses pushing the envelope around innovation, development, and impact, and what better way to encourage that than to sponsor this award.
Celebrates a business who has accepted their corporate social responsibility and promoted inclusion in the workplace, community or other area which has lead towards the enrichment of the lives of those who have a disability or are disadvantaged.
genU has a rich history of building inclusive communities. For 70+ years, we've been empowering people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities to reach their full potential. Our partnerships have enabled many local businesses to incorporate inclusive practices in their operations, all while building the careers of people facing disadvantage, including people with disability. As proud sponsors of the Corporate Social Responsibility Award, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of local businesses enriching the lives of locals to create a better community for all.
Celebrates a newcomer (operating less than 3 years) and has just started out but has already made a significant impact.
A Geelong icon and one of the largest regional TAFEs in Victoria. The Gordon has been helping people gain real skills and great employment outcomes for more than 130 years. The Gordon provides tailored staff development and training solutions to organisations looking to develop workplace capability. Our suite of skill sets is constantly growing to meet industry demands and to offer individuals the ability to grow and develop the skills needed to succeed. We are delighted to support the Geelong Business Excellence Awards which foster improvement and recognise excellence in our business community. Together we can ensure our workforces and workplaces are achieving best practice.
Celebrates a business that has demonstrated a high level of understanding towards inclusive & accessible workplace practices.
We are delighted to be supporting the 2023 Geelong Business Excellence Awards to enhance the Geelong region as a great place to live and work. With the TAC's headquarters in Geelong and many of our employees and their families living and working here, we are proud to be involved with activities that contribute to building a stronger community. We are proud to be sponsoring the Inclusive & Accessible Business category and celebrate those businesses who demonstrate the importance of inclusive and accessible workplace practices.
Recognises a business that has demonstrated an understanding of, and commitment to protecting the health and safety of their employees and clients.
As Victoria's health and safety regulator and workplace injury insurer, WorkSafe Victoria's purpose is to reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers. WorkSafe is proud to sponsor the Safe and Healthy Business Award which recognises the commitment of Geelong employers to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees and clients.
Recognises a business that operates with 4 to 20 full time or equivalent employees.
As a small business in the region, Envisage HR Solutions is proud to sponsor the Small Business category.
Envisage HR Solutions are HR, Recruitment and Training Specialists who focuses on optimizing your business performance through your people. Envisage HR Solutions offer an authentic and individualised service, guiding businesses through challenges and celebrating their triumphs along the way.
The Envisage team support businesses through all phases of business evolution, and provides contemporary thought leadership, and develop hands-on leadership skills, through leadership mentoring and structured training programs for CEOs to emerging leaders. The Envisage suite of services will enhance and empower your team whilst mitigating people-related risks to your business.
Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners tonight.
Recognises a Geelong based business that operates 10 km or more from Geelong CBD.
The City of Greater Geelong's Business & Industry Experience team is thrilled to again be sponsoring the Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
There are over 21,000 small businesses in our region and they play a pivotal role in driving Greater Geelong's economy, contributing approximately $9 billion into our local economy.
We're committed to helping businesses across our region to get started, continue to grow, and ultimately thrive.
Our regional businesses add vibrancy, diversity and significant employment opportunities for our region. This year marks the 14th time that the City has proudly supported the outstanding finalists of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
Congratulations to all the amazing 2023 finalists.
Recognises leadership through the practical application of innovative solutions.
As a local manufacturing company committed to continuous improvement and innovation, Viva Energy is delighted to sponsor the Innovation, Research and Development strategy.
In a rapidly changing world where new challenges emerge every day, innovation has never been more important.
Viva Energy's vision for the development of a Geelong Energy Hub shows our continued focus on Victoria's future energy requirements and the role we are going to play in the transition to more sustainable energy sources.
Our refinery remains a proud supporter of local businesses and we are pleased to be able to provide this support and recognition to Geelong's visionaries, pioneers and trailblazers.
Congratulations to all winners and finalists.
Recognises a business that operates in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine is proud to represent 900 local businesses. Our membership base includes accommodation, hospitality, attractions, tours, retail operators and more, all collaborating to grow the region as an incredible place to visit.
Our vision is for Geelong and The Bellarine to be a world-class inclusive destination that inspires visitors to create memories and depart with a desire to return. This can only be achieved when exceptional businesses are delivering outstanding experiences. The Geelong Business Excellence Awards help drive improvement, sustainability and innovation. For tourism and hospitality operators, their continuous improvement supports a thriving visitor economy.
We're honoured to sponsor the Tourism and Hospitality category and appreciate the leadership of Geelong Chamber of Commerce in the delivery of these awards. Congratulations to all finalists and winners!
Recognises a business that has demonstrated the effective use of digital tools and techniques to produce strategic, resourceful content to engage people, and create meaningful interactions.
Web Force 5 are long-term supporters of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards. We champion digital strategy (from websites and apps to branding) as a crucial part of any business, and believe in the power of possible. That's why we have sponsored this important award - to uplift business owners innovating their companies through tech. We extend our congratulations to all finalists and look forward to celebrating the 2023 winner.
Recognises a retail business that sells commodities directly to consumers.
Roderick Insurance Brokers have been big supporters of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards for many years. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame remains one of our proudest achievements in our company's 37-year history. The Awards are an integral part of the Geelong business community, providing a great forum which recognises the achievements of the many enterprises in our region. We hope it inspires businesses to become more innovative through exposure to leading edge ideas and local success stories.
Celebrates a business that has not previously entered the Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
Harwood Andrews believes that investing in meaningful partnerships will better the communities in which we work and live. We have been a proud supporter of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards for many years and are delighted to continue that partnership and sponsor the Best First Year Entry award.
Congratulations to all the 2023 finalists.
Recognises a business that operates with 1 to 3 full time or equivalent employees.
RunwayHQ is the launchpad to success for Start-ups and Small to Medium Businesses residing in regional Victoria. As such, we are pleased to sponsor the Home-baed and Micro Business category.
By supporting and fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking within our Surf Coast to Goldfields catchment area, we are recognised as setting the benchmark for regionally sustainable ecosystems.
We have supported close to 100 Start-ups and just over 250 SMEs, microbusinesses and corporates since 2017.
Celebrates a business that has demonstrated a recognition of & commitment to delivering health & wellbeing workplace initiatives.
With a bright spotlight on healthcare workers over recent years, it is more important than ever to support staff wellbeing. It is an honour for Barwon Health to continue our partnership with the Geelong Business Excellence Awards, sponsoring the award category 'Health & Wellbeing Promoting Workplace' for an eleventh consecutive year. We look forward to celebrating the winner of the 2023 award.
Celebrates a business that has demonstrated a high standard of customer service using resources to maximum efficiency while consistently looking to improve.
The locally-owned Times News Group publishes free local news across regions including the Surf Coast, Greater Geelong, the Bellarine, Ballarat and Bendigo.
Through weekly newspapers, online, and social media, Times News Group keeps its extensive print and digital audience informed about news and hyper-local content.
Free across print and digital platforms, Times News Group's channels are the perfect way for businesses to reach and engage with a large audience.
When local is the new global, we deliver what's good about where we live.
Celebrates a business professional who has demonstrated successful leadership skills.
The team at bay 93.9 are right behind talented locals doing exceptional work, leading our region to a healthy, and prosperous, future.
There is no better way for us to honour you, and what your business does for local people, than getting behind the GBEA Business Leader of the Year award.
Through great leaders we build strong futures, so thank you finalists, for the brave and difficult work you do, and on behalf of the whole team at bay 93.9, good luck!
The Business of the Year Award celebrates the culmination of grit, hard work and determination to succeed. The awards celebrate the outcome, but also the journey to get there. A journey that LBW witnesses day to day when working with local businesses whose values align with our own. Innovative, accountable, respectful, curious, with a learning mind-set to continually improve. We are committed to working together with the community and businesses, supporting them to achieve their business goals to grow and succeed. We are honoured to sponsor Geelong's most prestigious business accolade and help shine a light on the region's clever, creative and innovative business community.
bay 93.9 is an independent, family-owned radio station and proud partner of the GBEA. We are passionate about local business and fuelling our client's success. With an all-local live on-air team and what we believe may be the best resourced newsroom in the state, we work hard to deliver Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast entertaining, informative, relatable radio; the best feel-good music from the 80's; unbiased, ethical news; and client messaging that delivers effective, measurable results. bay 93.9 is the #1 station 40+ in this region. With 42% of local people listening to local radio,* commercial radio weekly audiences are reaching record highs**, and with sustained population growth projected for this region, the future is bright!
*Xtra Insights - Geelong Survey One - Oct 2022 · **GFK - Commercial Radio - Survey One - Mar 2023
Entity is a Geelong-based design studio that loves what makes each and every business unique. And what better way to celebrate the amazing diversity of the Geelong community than by partnering with the Geelong Business Excellence Awards. We are proud to be a partner and support GBEA 2023 in recognising all of the finalists and winners in this year's awards!
Higher Mark is proud to be the Event partner of GBEA 2023. We are excited to take your event to the next level with our unmistakable Geelong hospitality. The Geelong community continues to inspire us to be clever, creative and innovative. Together, we are harnessing the power of Geelong to create lasting and remarkable memories. Congratulations to all participants, we hope you have an unforgettable evening. From the Higher Mark team.
Milk is an award-winning video production company with a vision for Geelong to be a thriving creative hub, producing a quality that is world class.
GBEA is an incredible showcase of businesses that reflect this vision and we would like to congratulate all the finalists on their achievements this year, and wish them the best of luck.
The locally-owned Times News Group publishes free local news across regions including the Surf Coast, Greater Geelong, the Bellarine, Ballarat and Bendigo.
Through weekly newspapers, online, and social media, Times News Group keeps its extensive print and digital audience informed about news and hyper-local content.
Free across print and digital platforms, Times News Group's channels are the perfect way for businesses to reach and engage with a large audience.
When local is the new global, we deliver what's good about where we live.
For over 30 years Total Events have provided AV production, event operations and expert consultation to Geelong and surrounds, and are proud to be connected to this ever-growing community of business, innovation and creativity.
Total Events is honoured to be an Event Partner for the 2023 Geelong Business Awards, and wish to congratulate all finalists on their achievements this year.
Total Outdoor Media (TOM) are your regional billboard experts with premium digital and classic large format in all key regional centres.
Our iconic Digital displays at Geelong's gateway, are purpose built for the Geelong business community and national advertisers.
As a Geelong Chamber Gold Partner, TOM are proud to be supporting the GBEA for another year.
The awards are a fabulous showcase of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit across the Geelong business community.
We congratulate all finalists and winners and wish them continued success in the years ahead.
Since 2022, the Geelong Business Excellence Awards Presentation Event have been certified carbon-neutral under the Australian Government's Climate Active scheme. We will consistently measure and reduce our impacts on the environment, while offsetting the remaining carbon emissions involved in presenting our event. We are working with our staff, suppliers, and sponsors and to ensure that sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
The Geelong Business Excellence Awards event is proud to be a part of a city that is leading the transition to a low carbon economy, and feels it is important to be part of the community leading climate change action to help our environment and our economy. We commit to ongoing reduction in our carbon footprint and finding ways to avoid carbon emissions while improving the liveability of most vulnerable communities.
We are supporting the Improved Cook Stove Project 1, in Nkhata Bay District, Malawi, certified by the United Nations. This project benefits approximately 200,000 people. Traditional three-stone fires used by local people:
The Geelong Business Excellence Awards team would like to thank Luciana Manrique and Craig Kennedy from Kenstra for their inspiration and support of this initiative.
Thank you also to Armando Aragon from Climate Society for their services in measuring our carbon emissions.
The Awards would not be possible without the dedication of our reviewers, judging panel and guest judges.
