Medical software company Best Practice has been named Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce 2019 business of the year.
The prestigious award, sponsored by Auswide Bank, was the showpiece of a gala dinner at the Multiplex attended by more than 300 people.
Chief operating officer Craig Hodges said he was stunned by the honour.
“Next month on 15 June we’ll be 15 years old,” he said.
“We were born in a garage at St Lucia Crescent, Avoca, from a local GP Dr Frank Pyefinch and his wife Lorraine.
“They developed Best Practice out of the need to provide medical practitioners with a better software system.
“We’ve gone on now to employ almost 160 people in two countries in four major business centres.
“We’ll always call Bundaberg home.”
Mr Hodges said he was often asked “why Bundaberg”?
“We proudly display Bundaberg as our registered office and retain that presence here. My answer back is ‘why not’,” he said.
“We produce fantastic business experts here in Bundaberg.
“When you look at some of the businesses based here, a bank, a leading regional university and some major international players.
“We’re so humbled to now be on that stage as well.”
Alowishus wins People’s Choice award
The 2019 People’s Choice award, sponsored by Bundaberg Regional Council, went to Alowishus Delicious.
Owner Tracey McPhee said she was thrilled with the honour, which follows winning Cafe of the Year in a national competition.
“It’s very fitting that Bundy Council has sponsored this award with their support of the #lovebundy campaign, which we love,” she said.
“We love Bundaberg and we’re thrilled that Bundy loves us, so thank you very much.”
Business Excellence Awards: The winners
- Auswide Bank Business of the Year
Best Practice - Lifetime Achievement Award
Trish Mears - Retail business
Queensland Computers - Agribusiness
Northside Produce Agency - Tourism Visitor Attraction
Lady Musgrave Experience and Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience - Tourism New Business of the Year
CMCA Bundaberg RV Park - CQUniversity: Bundaberg Student of the Year
Emily Smith and Alana Sinnamon - 2019 People’s Choice Award
Alowishus Delicious - Childers Chamber President’s Award
Paragon Theatre - Coral Coast Chamber President’s Award
Lady Musgrave Experience - Bundaberg Chamber President’s Award
Wide Bay Real Estate - New business
Serenity Skin Spa - Micro home based business
Healthy on the Inside - Tourism Accommodation
Rocky Point Retreat - Hospitality business
Alowishus Delicious - Health and wellbeing
Southern Cross Support Services - Personal Services
Vanish Skin & Laser Bundaberg - Tourism Festivals and Events
Agrotrend - Professional Services
Sugarland Animal Hospital - Community Organisation
The Waves Sports Club - Culinary Tourism
The Windmill - Trades business
Bundaberg Motor Group and Bug Me Pest Solutions & Carpet Cleaning - Industrial and Manufacturing
Best Practice
Leaders thank businesses and community
Bundaberg & District Chamber of Commerce president Yale Morgan quoted Winston Churchill in his official welcome.
“He talks about when our best is no longer good enough and sometimes we must do what is required,” he said.
“As we know in business it can be it can be challenging. We face significant challenges day to day, but we also face greater opportunity.”
Mr Morgan thanked local businesses for their contribution to the regional economy and community.
Bundaberg Tourism general manager Katherine Reid said local tourism businesses are investing money to attract visitors.
“Tourism injected $475 million in visitor expenditure, new money into our regional economy, growing our community,” she said.
“Tourism is leading the way in sustainability and tourism provides a captive audience to tell the story of Bundaberg’s people, place and produce.
“We collectively do it as an incredibly strong and united industry.”
- Other news: New faces for Bundaberg Chamber of Commerce
