Manufacturing businesses reigned supreme at the Business Hunter Awards celebration.
The event, held on Friday evening at NEX, brought together a diverse assembly of 550 guests to acknowledge individuals and organisations that have made a remarkable impact on the region's business landscape.
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said there were incredibly tight margins in many of the categories this year, so all finalists and award winners should be incredibly proud of their efforts.
"These awards celebrate individuals who have set new standards of excellence with their remarkable contributions," Mr Hawes said.
"The outstanding finalists and winners tonight demonstrate that we are heading towards an exceptionally promising and dynamic future."
A total of 127 finalists across 21 categories were recognised, including a new category, Outstanding Visitor Experience, awarded to coastal adventure tourism outfit, Coast XP.
Innovative manufacturing businesses took out some of the biggest awards on the night, with pioneering energy systems leader Ampcontrol taking out the prestigious President's Award, while global medical supply leader Whiteley netted one of the night's biggest awards, Business of the Year.
Outgoing long-serving Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser took out the Outstanding Business Leader (more than 21 employees) award, while Rob Dawson of Myrtec, won the Outstanding Business Leader (fewer than 20 employees) award.
Bronte Williamson of Nourished Not Deprived took out the Kristen Keegan Young Business Leader award, bestowed in honour of former Business Hunter CEO Kristen Keegan.
Mr Hawes said the awards were an important opportunity for celebration and reflection, particularly as tough headwinds continued to impact multiple sectors across the region.
"Some of our region's businesses are enduring multiple back-to-back years of tough conditions," he said.
"This has demanded courage, adaptability and innovation, especially among those small to medium businesses operating in hospitality, tourism, retail and construction.
"It's encouraging to see so many businesses thriving and sharing their success, despite these tough operating conditions."
Out of the Square Media once again took home the Contribution to the Region award in a hotly contested category.
Business Hunter president Lauren Eyles also recognised the contributions Daracon, Orica and Marcia Chapman, former CEO of Jenny's Place, have made to the region, recognising them in a discrete honour role.
2024 Hunter Business Award winners
Outstanding Community Organisation: Home in Place
Hunter Love Water: Baiada
Excellence in Micro Business: Little Windmill Clothing Co
Excellence in Small Business: SAPHI
Excellence in Large Business: 8 at Trinity
Excellence in International Business: Whiteley
Outstanding New Business: Telethrive
Excellence in Innovation: Hyphen Health
Excellence in Sustainability: SAPHI
Employer of Choice (under 20 employees): Hyphen Health
Employer of Choice (over 21 employees): Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network
Outstanding Local Chamber: Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Star Club Equestrian Program Inc
Contribution to the Region: Out of the Square Media
Outstanding Visitor Experience: CoastXP
Outstanding Employee: Chelsea Day, Mai-Wel Group
Kristen Keegan Young Business Leader: Bronte Williamson - Nourished Not Deprived
President's Award: Ampcontrol
President's honour roll recognition: Daracon, Orica, Marcia Chapman
Outstanding Business Leader 20: Rob Dawson - Myrtec
Outstanding Business Leader 21: Kay Fraser, mayor Lake Macquarie City Council
Business of the Year: Whiteley
