Name best businesses
THERE is a special flavour to the kind of businesses that can be in the race for the Tablelands Business Excellence awards. Nominations are open and there are many businesses that can be entered such as cafes, wineries, clothing stores and more.
Golden Drop Winery in Biboohra is known for sparkling mango wine and fruit liqueurs. Sales consultant Grace Parker says there is something special to what they make.
“People have never had our wines before, they come in and have a taste. People love mangoes and they love wines. We also have a nice port and nice liqueurs,” Ms Parker said.
“They see all that and they come to us because we are unique.”
Over the past couple months, Ms Parker said they had not experienced the usual busy period but the locals had been their saviour so far.
They are not the only business that has been lucky enough to have local support through what can only be described as a difficult time.
Clothing store Our Wildest Dreams in Atherton specialises in linens, cottons, leather bags and very comfortable leather shoes. Our Wildest Dreams owner Ann Fontiveros (left) said she had been busy in the past few months.
“Locals have been supporting me very well. Not only the Cairns locals but as far down as Ingham and Townsville,” Ms Fontiveros said.
“Most of the people that come into my shop like to feel the fabric.”
Our Wildest Dreams has been trading there for about 20 years, but Ms Fontiveros took over the business about two years ago.
Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti said it was a great opportunity to nominate local businesses and organisations that went above and beyond. “The awards are a celebration of the business community’s contribution to the economic and social fabric of our region,” Cr Marti said.
The categories include customer champion, technology and innovation impact, visual standout, employer of choice, sustainability contribution, new and emerging business or service and champion business. Nominations will close on November 8. To nominate a business go to www.trc.qld.gov.au