Media Release 6 July 2011

(Embargoed until 3am Friday 8 July)

Taupo Chamber of Commerce announce Great Lake Taupō business awards finalists.

Taupo Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce the 2011 finalists for the two business awards categories introduced for the first time this year.

These new categories are focused on commercial criteria and the finalists will certainly reap national public relations benefits along with exposure to some of New Zealand’s top business minds. These new categories are being judged by The ICEHOUSE, New Zealand’s leading start up incubator specialising in business development, training and angel investment. These categories are unlike anything the region has seen before and the entrants have been put through their paces against some strict criteria.

The two business categories introduced in 2011 are:

• Small Business - Turnover under $1million (excl GST) sponsored by Strettons
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• Medium to Large Business - Turnover over $1million (excl GST) sponsored by Enterprise Great Lake Taupō
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Four finalists for each category have been selected and will now proceed to the next stage of judging:

In the Small Business category the following businesses have been announced:

• Experience Taupo – Local know it alls in all things tourism, Taupo
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• Fred – Boutique brand and web development company, Taupo
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• River Wines - Boutique family vineyard and restaurant, Turangi
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• Taupo Kids Community – Quality childcare and education centre, Taupo
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In the Medium-Large Business category:

• Bayview Wairakei Resort – Conference and holiday resort, Taupo
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• Quality Print – Commercial printing and design, Taupo
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• Quest Taupo – Serviced apartments and accommodation, Taupo
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• Taupo Bungy – NZ’s highest water touch bungy, Taupo
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Taupo Chamber of Commerce acknowledges all the entrants and applauds the efforts of participating businesses. The Chamber would like to congratulate the finalists and also thank the sponsors of the Business Awards – The ICEHOUSE for providing judging, Strettons for sponsorship of the Small Business category and Enterprise Great Lake Taupō for sponsorship of the Medium to Large Business category.

ends

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