Community & Business
11 October, 2023
Tablelands businesses celebrated at awards
THE region’s outstanding business operators and not-for-profit entities were recognised at the Tablelands Business Excellence Awards ceremony, attended by nominees, event partners and guests last week.
![New and Emerging Business: Tiny Delight Creations – Scott Tessaro, Renay Tessaro and Karyn Bliesner (YAI).](https://mareebaexpress-4634.kxcdn.com/img/containers/assets/news/2.-tiny-delight-creations-new-&-emerging-business-or-service.jpg/10c3845d752cda677bdc4f6fb905f71a.jpg)
MC for the ceremony, Cr Dave Bilney said the awards celebrate the vital contribution local organisations and businesses make to our region, both economically and as part of our community.
“It was fantastic to see 182 nominations come in, with 64 businesses nominated across the six categories,” Cr Bilney said.
“Our People’s Choice category received nearly 3000 votes, and congratulations to Pinnarendi Station Stay & Cafe for taking out the award in a closely fought contest.
“Thanks to all our event and media partners for their support of the event, and our community for recognising the efforts of local businesses and organisations.”
The winners of the 2023 Tablelands Business Excellence Awards:
▪ Customer Excellence – ECHO Empowering Services
▪ Employer of Choice – NQ Agricultural Services
▪ New and Emerging Business/Service – Tiny Delight Creations
▪ Sustainability Contribution – Rock Ridge Farming
▪ Technology and Innovation Impact – HTM Complete
▪ Visual Stand-out – Wild River Mountain Distillery
“Local businesses play a crucial role in small communities by providing jobs, stimulating economic growth and fostering a sense of community pride,” Cr Bilney said.
“They are an integral part of who we are as a community and we value their contribution to the region,” he said.
![Visual Stand-out: Wild River Mountain Distillery – Amy and Wes Marks.](https://mareebaexpress-4634.kxcdn.com/img/containers/assets/dsc_7656.jpg/4a9c65bb242a86c5b19d211a7ab41577.jpg)
![Customer Service Excellence: ECHO Empowering Services – Bernie Brown, Donna Cifuentes, Donna Leigh and TRC Cr Annette Haydon.](https://mareebaexpress-4634.kxcdn.com/img/containers/assets/dsc_7636.jpg/4cee7da4bfcb6a6fb7e566e2be74b5f4.jpg)
![Technology Innovation – HTM Complete – Emma Hasted, Karen Gallo, Fabian Gallo and Rikki Payne.](https://mareebaexpress-4634.kxcdn.com/img/containers/assets/dsc_7652.jpg/3a03f48b9926100e621c6e22935a000a.jpg)
![People’s Choice: Pinnarendi Station Stay & Café – Nadine and Ronnie Atkinson.](https://mareebaexpress-4634.kxcdn.com/img/containers/assets/6.-pinnarendi-station-stay-&-cafe-people%27s-choice.jpg/68332d6232f2ba38e7c8a0a0af1acfb8.jpg)
![Sustainability contribution: Rock Ridge Farming – John Quadrio, Chelley Howe, Peter Howe and Gary Aylward.](https://mareebaexpress-4634.kxcdn.com/img/containers/assets/dsc_7647.jpg/0315f918fef0380eed77981f75056374.jpg)