The benefits of nominating for the Port Macquarie Business Awards are enormous and more young people should get involved.
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That's the opinion of Port Macquarie's Kayla Fuller who has progressed to the 2019 Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards.
The winners of those awards will be announced on September 13 at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges.
Kayla progressed to the regional awards when she claimed the top gong in the outstanding young employee category at the Port Macquarie awards night.
The 27-year-old has worked at Touchwood Flowers for eight years and this is just the second time she has nominated for any award.
"It is pretty big to actually be a finalist at this level," Kayla said.
"It means a lot. While you enter and hope to get somewhere, to be one of four people to progress through to regional judging is just an incredible feeling.
"I was really speechless (when she was announced the winner at the Port Macquarie awards) and it was an overwhelming experience," she said.
"As a young person, it is sometimes hard to say why you are good at something."
But the reasons behind her success are better understood when she starts talking about the business.
"I love this place like it is my own and I strive to care for the business, our customers and my fellow staff members.
I love this place like it is my own and I strive to care for the business, our customers and my fellow staff members.
- Kayla Fuller
"Because I am so protective of this business, Ashley (Sargeson, the owner) has enough trust in me that it makes coming to work a really positive experience," she said.
"I really want to to see this business strive forward and have never really given a thought to a personal achievement."
Kayla described the awards as "fabulous" and says it is a great opportunity for small business to broadcast their name, interact with fellow business operators and to showcase their staff and skill set.
"From a personal level, it is amazing to be going to the regional awards which I believe is like another win," she said.
"What I do here is done because I know it has to be done. I just do what I should do.
"You don't really think about yourself.
"And I do understand how difficult it is to sometimes write down why you should win something."
Kayla also says that more younger people should nominate for the awards.
"I would encourage more businesses to put forward their young employees for awards," she said.
"It is a great boost and I come to work every day in a really positive frame of mind because I know people think I am good at my job.
"If more people were recognised I think it would be good for their self esteem."
Ms Sargeson said Kayla was a wonderful employee.
"She goes above and beyond and is such a credit to the business," she said.
"We are really proud of her. It is really hard to describe how good Kayla is."
We are really proud of her. It is really hard to describe how good Kayla is.
- Ashley Sargeson
Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber regional manager, Kellon Beard, said this year's finalists represent a fantastic cross section of businesses from right across the Mid-North Coast.
"These awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strength of Mid-North Coast businesses," he said.
"It's been a tough year for many businesses due to the ongoing drought, so it will be great to celebrate and highlight the excellence of our local business community."
The awards include winners from MidCoast Business Awards, Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards, Macleay Valley Business Awards, and the Coffs Harbour Chamber Sunnys Business Awards.
Winners in the 2019 Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards will be announced on Friday September 13, at Sails Port Macquarie at Rydges.
The regional winners will represent the Mid-North Coast at NSW Business Chamber's state business awards, on Friday November 22 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.
The regional award nominees are:
Outstanding young employee
Jasmine Swe, Fresh Dental Care
Letisha Johnston, TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour
Lachlan Townsend, Coastline Credit Union
Kayla Fuller, Touchwood Flowers
Outstanding young entrepreneur
Jemma Frame, Coffs Coast Hair Studio
Ritchie Mann, WM Meats
Daniel Parry-Hawkins, DPH Handyman & Yard Maintenance
Lauren Reichel, Valley Electrical Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
Outstanding business leader
Trent Jennison, Valley Industries
Kirsty Christensen, Fresh Dental Care
Gavan Landini, Macleay Options Inc
Colin Steber, Steber International
Stacey Morgan, Port Macquarie Performing Arts
Anna McAfee, Anna McAfee Pty Ltd
Nicole McMullen, Village Projects
Excellence in micro business
Coffs Coast Surf Tours
Kirstie's Skinsational
Touchwood Flowers
Excellence in small business
Sportspower Super Warehouse, Coffs Harbour
Wauchope Country Club
Hat Head Bowling and Recreation Club
WM Meats
Kinetic Medicine
Excellence in business
DFM Financial Group
South West Rocks Country Club
Planet Lighting
MBC Recruitment
Excellence in export
Cassegrain Wines
Planet Lighting
Excellence in social enterprise
Valley Industries
The Australian Centre for Eating Disorders
Macleay Options Inc
OCTEC Limited
Start up superstar
Cath Fowler Marketing
Wallamba Downs Weddings & Events
First State Allstars
Sweet Blossom Floral Design
Excellence in innovation
Key Employment
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
Kempsey Macleay RSL Club
NC Doors
Excellence in sustainability
Affirmations Australia
Anglican Care
Koala Hospital
Macleay River Meats
Outstanding employer of choice
Fresh Dental Care
Kempsey Shire Council
MBC Recruitment
Resource design and management
Anglican Care
Local chamber of commerce
Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce
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