Seawind Catamarans Named Illawarra Business of the Year

Seawind Catamarans was named the 2006 Integral Energy Illawarra Business of the Year at the Integral Energy Illawarra Business Awards gala dinner held last night.

A record gathering of close to 1000 of the region�s business people from across the Illawarra gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the region�s business community.

In another first for the Awards, the event was attended by the Premier of NSW, Morris Iemma and the Leader the Opposition, Peter Debnam.

The WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre, Wollongong was transformed to provide a spectacular setting for what is now recognised as the largest celebration of business success and endeavour in regional Australia.

Terry Wetherall, President of the Illawarra Business Chamber, paid tribute to all winners and finalists, and described the awards night as the best yet.

�The Illawarra Business Chamber was overwhelmed with the quality of this year�s entries.

�I believe the response to this year�s awards, is in part recognition of the role the Illawarra Business Chamber plays, as the region�s peak business organisation, in lobbying for a better deal for the community in general and the Illawarra Business Community specifically.

�Whilst the focus of the night was on those who won their categories, the IBC would like to recognise and thank all businesses that took the time to enter and participate.

�Competing businesses do need to invest some time in the Awards process, but the feedback is that it�s been an excellent review activity for all concerned�, he said.

�On behalf of the IBC, I would particularly like to thank our naming right sponsor Integral Energy and to our Gold sponsor Telstra Country Wide, and to all our sponsors for their ongoing support.�

KPMG have once again overseen this year�s judging process, which continues to further strengthen the status and reputation of these awards. I would also like to pay special tribute to Professor Gerard Sutton, Chair of our Judging Committee and our dedicated team of judges

Winners in each category were as follows:

Integral Energy Illawarra Business of the Year:
Seawind Catamarans

Telstra Coungry Wide Business Person of the Year:
Eddy De Gabriele, Edmen Group

IMB Banking & Financial Services Young Business Person of the Year: David Cuda, Edmen Group

Gujarat NRE Australia Small Business Award:
Haworth Guitars

Illawarra Regional Development Board Manufacturing & Mining Award: Seawind Catamarans

Partner IT Information Communication & Technology Award:
Plaut IT Australia

Commonwealth Bank Building & Construction Award:
D & D Services (Australia) Pty Ltd
Highly Commended: Wideform Group of Companies

Local Government & Energy Industries Superannuation Schemes Professional & Commercial Award:
Australian Health Management
Highly Commended: Edmen Group
Highly Commended: Russell McLelland Brown

Shellharbour City Council New Illawarra Business Award:
Illawarra Family Medical Centre

Horizon Living Tourism Award:
City Diggers Wollongong
Highly Commended: Novotel Northbeach

Bluescope Steel Barry Smith Award:
Tourism Wollongong
Highly Commended: Elise Pascoe International Cooking School
Highly Commended: SkyDive the Beach

WIN TV Conferencing, Catering & Restaurants Award:
Novotel Northbeach

Illawarra Coal Excellence in Education Award:
Southbound Adventures

Australian Business Limited Apprenticeships Centre Health & Community Services Award:
Vision Australia
Highly Commended: Wollongong Medical Service