The Gala Ceremony for the 2018 Federation Business School East Gippsland Business Awards was held at the Bairnsdale RSL last Thursday night and was once again a huge success. Last year the event had a record number of attendees; this year the RSL was packed to the rafters.

Coordinated by Business and Tourism East Gippsland (BTEG), the business awards recognise and celebrate those East Gippsland businesses that deliver excellence in the provision of goods and services and thereby contribute significantly to the economy and lifestyle of our region and to the visitor experience.

The business awards also showcase and celebrate the abundance of local produce available in East Gippsland, including excellent local wines supplied this year by Lightfoot & Sons.

Awards were presented on the night in 15 platinum and four gold categories.

Each year Business and Tourism East Gippsland reviews the awards process and makes any changes to ensure that it is inclusive and provides an opportunity for all businesses in the region to enter.

“This year we added the category of Arts and Culture to recognise the significant role that businesses in these fields play in the lifestyle and liveability of our region and we were very fortunate that the Commonwealth Bank agreed to sponsor this new category,” BTEG executive officer, Janet Burton, said.

The winner of this award, Norm Neilson, of Norm Neilson Fine Art Photography, was delighted to receive the accolade.

“I am so thrilled to have won the award in the new category of Arts and Culture,” Mr Neilson said.

“It was totally unexpected but a great recognition of the work that my wife, Jean, and I have put into ensuring that visitors to our gallery not only appreciate the artworks but have a total memorable experience.”

The Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Federation Business School, was awarded to GJ Gardner Homes East Gippsland in recognition of their contribution to the economy and lifestyle of the East Gippsland region, their commitment to local products and services and their significant and sustainable growth over the past five years.

Director of GJ Gardner Homes East Gippsland, Michael Ellett, was very humble in accepting the Outstanding Achievement Award.

“We attribute the success and growth of the business to the fact that we give back to and support the local community that supports us,” Mr Ellett said.

“We see employing local trades and using local suppliers as one of the most important aspects of our business.

PICTURED: Awards sponsor, Associate Professor Bob O’Shea, of the Federation Business School, congratulates GJ Gardner Homes East Gippsland team members, Kelly Galloway, Michael and Helen Ellett, Jeremy Cornwell and Caitlin Kelly, after GJ Gardner East Gippsland was announced the winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award at last Thursday night’s East Gippsland Business Awards at the Bairnsdale RSL