AS President, this is one of my favourite days of the year, the day our finalists open an email and discover that their risk, their grit and their belief in this region has been seen.
Not one of us on the committee, me included, knows the results. That’s by design.
Our independent judges have poured countless volunteer hours into every entry, treating each business’s time and effort with the fairness and care it deserves.
This year’s finalists stretch across our mainland and islands, and through industries from tourism and hospitality to trades, health, education and manufacturing.
Every year, business brings its own fight. We have faced natural disasters, a pandemic, and now cost-of-living pressures biting harder than most of us have ever seen.
And still, our businesses push through. Every year, we are incredibly proud to see new doors open as new businesses take a chance on our region.
We also celebrate the businesses that have managed to keep their doors open for another year, while recognising the difficult reality that some will close theirs.
Behind every set of doors are people, families, jobs and livelihoods. Our businesses are the backbone of our community.
They employ our locals, support our sporting clubs, schools and community groups, sponsor our events, donate when someone needs a hand and continue investing in the place we all call home.
What I love most is the mix. Familiar names return year after year, some becoming repeat winners, and beside them are brand new businesses opening their doors for the first time and new faces joining our Chamber community.
The President’s Community Champion Award holds a particular place in my heart. This year’s finalists, Bay Island Lifestyle, Capalaba Sports Club and Craft Brew House, prove something I believe deeply.
Great businesses don’t just operate in a community. They become part of its fabric.
To everyone who entered and fell just short, don’t let this be the end of your story.
Enter again next year. Much like our businesses, it takes an absolute village, 12 months of hard work to pull this together.
To Nicci, to Ally, to our incredible admin support Allie, and to Tina from our membership team, thank you for going above and beyond every single time.
In a year where cost-of- living pressure has tested businesses like never before, the fact that this event happens at all, and happens beautifully, is because of you.
Thank you also to our HUGE PRIDE: Chamber President Suzie Tafolo. sponsors – Redland City Council, Local Redland Bayside News, Kate Redman & Associates, Bendigo Bank, Capalaba Central Shopping Centre, BOQ Capalaba, Birkdale & Alexandra Hills, and Wellington Point Farmhouse.
On Saturday, October 24, we gather at the Alexandra Hills Hotel. Local Redland Bayside News will present our Busi- ness of the Year, a surprise to every person in that room right up until it’s called.
Dress up. Bring your team. Celebrate how far you have come. The strength of Redlands Coast is built every day by people who choose to take a risk, open a door, employ someone and believe in this place.
I couldn’t be prouder
