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A strong field of finalists for the title of Inspiring Business Leader at the 2020 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Awards showcases the resilience of the region's business community during a challenging year of fires, floods and COVID-19.
Fittingly, the 2020 awards have a Resilience in Business Award category for what Illawarra Business Chamber executive director Adam Zarth said would be an event on October 16 that would be a celebration of just that.
Mr Zarth said it was more important than ever to recognise the achievements of businesses and business professionals across the region.
After a rigorous assessment by a panel of independent judges under the watchful eye of Warwick Shanks, of KPMG Wollongong, the chamber had 72 finalists across the 11 award categories this year.
"They represent a great cross-section of businesses, ranging from sole traders to large employers, and reflect a wide range of industries in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands."
Mr Zarth said those in contention would now progress to the final interview stage of judging.
"In an extraordinarily challenging year for businesses across the region, it has been more important than ever for all of us to share in stories of business resilience," he said.
"This year's program theme, 'An Evening Under the Stars', symbolises the businesses who, despite challenging conditions, are shining brighter than ever."
The number of people who will be able to attend the gala black tie awards dinner at the WIN Entertainment Centre will be determined closer to the event, when the situation with the coronavirus crisis at that time becomes more clear.
Meantime, the judging process will continue.
The 2020 IMB Bank Illawarra Business Award finalists:
Resilience in Business
- Few & Far
- Health Staffing
- IOH Injury & Occupational Health
- Mercer Administration Services Wollongong
- MMJ Wollongong
- Nowchem
- Steamers Bar & Grill
Resilience in Small Business
- Argyle Professionals
- Dignam Real Estate
- His Boy Elroy
- Hotondo Southcoast
- J&T Dale Plumbing
- Jervis Bay Meat Co
- Ritchie Group
- Souter Built
Resilience in Micro Business
- Brew Accounting
- Dr Olga Lavalle & Associates
- Mt Hay Retreat
- PROPPR Products
- Sea Change Physio
- Shellharbour Marina Real Estate
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
2020 Inspiring Business Leader
- Adam McMahon - Dignam Real Estate
- Chris Kubara - T C Air & Electric
- Katie Davies - Itree
- Lachlan Stevens - His Boy Elroy
- Louise Lugg - Goddess Health & Wellness Day Spa
- Michele Adair - Housing Trust
- Paula Dunn - No Limits Consulting
- Rebecca Dunning - Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
- Ross Thompson - Health Staffing
2020 Inspiring Employee
- Marg Wearing - Housing Trust
- Matt Clowry - Steelers Club Wollongong
- Novica Blazeski - Home Instead Senior Care Wollongong
- Sophie McIlquham - The Consortium Lounge
Excellence in Innovation & Adaptability
- Business Valuations Online
- Ericom
- FinoComp
- His Boy Elroy
- Itree
- Poseidon Equine
- Sea Change Physio
- Shellharbour Village Pharmacy
Excellence in Workplace Culture
- FinoComp
- Green Connect Illawarra
- Housing Trust
- Itree
- Mercer Administration Services Wollongong
- MMJ Wollongong
Excellence in Sustainability
- Burnetts On Barney
- Planet Child Care Centre
- Souter Built
- Tiny Tins
Excellence in Customer Service Argyle Professionals
- Black Duck Ceramics Studio
- Easy Agile
- Ericom
- Mt Hay Retreat
- Nowchem
- PepperGreen Estate
- Poseidon Equine
- South Coast Brides
Excellence in Import & Export
- Detect-Ed Australia
- Easy Agile
- FinoComp
- Itree
- PROPPR Products
Excellence in Digital Service Delivery
- Biz Sites
- Business Valuations Online
- His Boy Elroy
- Molenaar + Mcniece
- Steel City Strings
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