Small Business Awards Gala celebrates local success
Maleny Winners pictured with Maleny Commerce president Spencer Shaw and Andrew Powell.
Montville Winners pictured with Shiralee Cooper and Andrew Powell.
Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell MP, has joined Chambers of Commerce and local businesses to celebrate another Small Business Awards Gala.
The event brought together almost 150 small business owners and employees as well as the local Chambers of Commerce to celebrate all that small business is and does for the region.
“It was a packed house and I think that goes to show how much our communities love their small and family businesses,” said Mr Powell.
“With so many businesses and employees nominated, and the gala gaining more recognition each year, I think we might just have to find a bigger venue next year!”
Glass House locals cast a record of nearly 5000 votes for the nominated businesses and employees.
While the silver “Glassy” is purely a popularity contest based on the number of votes received, the bronze “Glassies” are selected by local the Chamber of Commerce Presidents. The two coveted gold glassies are handpicked by Andrew himself, in consultation with the Chamber Presidents. This year’s Employee Gold Glassie was won by renowned Maleny Jeweller Jim Goulton.
“Running Maleny Jewellers since 2000 with his wife Sandra, Jim Goulton is consistently praised by customers for his repair and design work, creative ability, passion and attention to detail.”
Mr Powell introduced a “Hall of Fame” category in 2023, to acknowledge certain businesses and employees who have nominated almost every year since the Awards inception and have won a Glassy or two. “There are some people who are just total fan favourites,” he explained.
“When we see them nominated, we just know they will win, again, by a landslide. So to share the love, we awarded them a Hall of Fame trophy and certificate to acknowledge their amazing contributions.”
Montville Chamber of Commerce President Shiralee Cooper expressed gratitude to Mr Powell and said the awards were the highlight of Small Business Month, locally.
“The record number of nominations and extensive community participation made this event a resounding success, thanks to the ongoing support of Andrew Powell,” she said.
To join Team Montville, reach out to info@montvillecommerce.com.au.
Montville and Maleny Winners:
MONTVILLE
• Bronze Business: Tina Cooper Glass Gallery
• Silver Business: Crystal Multiverse
• Bronze Employee: Eliza Claridge from The Barn on Flaxton
• Silver Employee: Serge Doumergue from Crystal Multiverse.
MALENY
• Bronze Business: Rosetta Books
• Silver Business: Maleny Jewellers
• Bronze Employee: Jennepher Bucher from Maleny Cheese
• Silver Employee: Elaine Haggerty from Beyond Words Therapy Centre.
HALL OF FAME
• Maple Street Co-op
• Mountain View Pet Retreat
• Ledgers Country Butchery
• VIP Wildlife
• Sharon Schofield from Easton Lawyers
• Jodie Pember from White’s IGA Mooloolah.
GOLD WINNERS
• Business: Tamara Hazelden Real Estate
• Employee: Jim Goulton from Maleny Jewellers