Mrs Stone was named the winner at the VERTO employee conference held at Rydges at Mount Panorama earlier this month.

The event attracted over 150 employees from 25 sites from Ballina in the north to Albury in the south.

Mrs Stone has been employed with VERTO since 2011.

"When our CEO announced my name as employee of the year, it was such a shock I couldn't speak," the winner said.

"Being recognised for my work and being presented with such a prestigious award is both humbling and exciting, and fills me with gratitude and pride.

" It inspires me to continue to do that little bit extra.

"To be nominated, considered and then selected to be VERTO's employee of the year for 2014 is such an honour and has been the highlight of my career with VERTO. I am so passionate about my work at VERTO and I have gained immense satisfaction in my role as client consultant in the disability employment services area."

CEO Ron Maxwell said Mrs Stone is an outstanding member of the Port Macquarie team and the VERTO team more broadly.

"Claire is a proactive, positive, hardworking and committed member of our team. She thoroughly deserves this award," he said.

"Congratulations to Claire and the Port Macquarie team for always making positive contributions to VERTO."

During the conference, employees heard from a diverse range of speakers who covered a number of industry relevant topics. The conference also included an awards night, where achieving staff were recognised.

Rugby league great, Wayne Pearce, was the keynote speaker at the awards night and presented the award to Mrs Stone along with Mr Maxwell.