Innovative IT solutions company Dynamic Business Technologies has taken out the top prize at this year's Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards.
Friday evening's gala presentation at Belmont 16s proved a stellar occasion for the Warners Bay-based enterprise, which also took out the Employer of Choice (20 or less employees) category, while founder Nathan Franks won the Outstanding Business Leader award for a business with fewer than 20 employees.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said DBT had developed a culture of innovation and inclusivity since its launch 18 years ago.
"Nathan's dedication to his staff, his mentorship and the community involvement of his company demonstrate this company's outstanding contributions to the IT industry and beyond," she said.
CoastXP, which launched a new Lake Macquarie-based sightseeing and whale watching vessel earlier this year, won the Outstanding Visitor Experience award, narrowly beating Matt Hall Racing's aerobatic thrill-rides.
Acclaimed waterfront restaurant 8 at Trinity won the Excellence in Large Business award and the coveted Origin Energy People's Choice Award, decided by a public online vote.
Cr Fraser said the 350-seat venue "redefines the benchmark of how Lake Mac can develop world-class hospitality landmarks".
"The ongoing transformation of that site is a sign of the changing times in our city, and marks a positive shift away from fossil fuel-based industries towards a much more diverse workforce," she said.
The Car 2 Home Project, which provides a safe place for people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in cars, won the Outstanding Community Organisation category.
The charity also provides access to toilets, showers and kitchen and laundry facilities to help support people in need.
Cr Fraser said the awards recognised the tireless efforts and shared vision for success across thousands of businesses in Lake Mac.
"All our finalists and winners have played a vital role in that success story, and it is their hard work and dedication that help make Lake Macquarie a place where businesses can invest, grow and thrive," she said.
Full list of Lake Macquarie Business Award winners
Employer of Choice - 20 or less employees: Dynamic Business Technologies
Employer of Choice - 21 or more employees: Lake Group Strata
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Flying Colours Education
Excellence in Innovation: Definiti
Excellence in Large Business: 8 at Trinity
Excellence in Micro Business: Andersen Pest Services
Excellence in Small Business: Design Anthology
Excellence in Sustainability: Aware...the social design project
Outstanding Business Leader - 20 or less employees: Nathan Franks, Dynamic Business Technologies
Outstanding Business Leader - 21 or more employees: Melanie Bird, Lake Group Strata
Outstanding Community Organisation: Car 2 Home Project
Outstanding Employee: Alexander McCallum, Lakes Custom Computers
Outstanding New Business: Telethrive
Outstanding Visitor Experience: CoastXP
Outstanding Young Business Leader: Jye Rimmington, Rimmington Legal
Business of the Year: Dynamic Business Technologies
People's Choice: 8 at Trinity
