Media release – 15 February 2011

TV newsreader to host 2012 awards

Award winning TVNZ newsreader Peter Williams will be the master of ceremonies at this years West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards.

2012 marks the second year of the awards and Mr Williams will host a black tie gala dinner at iconic tourist destination Shanty Town on May 18. The awards will celebrate business excellence in six categories and entries close on 30 March 2012.

This years awards will also include a special commendation to recognise a “Leading Light” in the West Coast business community.

Development West Coast CEO Dr John Chang says the special commendation will be presented to an exceptional West Coast businessperson.

“This award will acknowledge an individual who has had an extraordinary career and been a leading light in the West Coast business community,” he says.

“The success of the inaugural West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards in 2011 cemented the awards night as a highlight on the West Coast event calendar. It is heartening to see how many sponsors have come back on board this year and I also welcome the new ones. The awards would not be possible without their support.”

The Greymouth Star is proud to once again be the platinum sponsor of the 2012 West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards says General Manager John Goulding.

“We are very pleased to sponsor the awards again in 2012 and look forward to seeing the event build on the success of last year. The awards are a fantastic way to celebrate business excellence on the West Coast and our involvement is a way to acknowledge the valuable contribution local businesses make to the West Coast economy,” he says.

In 2012 Gold sponsors include Westland Milk Products, the Accident Compensation Corporation, Duncan Cotterill, New Zealand Institute of Management and Tourism West Coast. Silver sponsors are Buddle Findlay, The Radio Network, Brannigans, ANZ and Oceana Gold. Monteiths, Ritchies Transport, Ashley Hotel and the Kingsgate Hotel are providing in kind sponsorship.

The seven award categories are Service, Retail, Primary Producer, Construction / Engineering / Manufacturing, Tourism, Community / Charity Organisations and Workplace Safety. Winners of all these categories vie for the coveted Super Nova award.

Awards host Peter Williams has been a familiar face on our screens for over 30 years and is one of New Zealand’s most respected newsreaders and sports broadcasters. He started with TV ONE in 1979, first as a sports anchorman and commentator, and for the last decade as a presenter on both One News and Breakfast.

Entries for the 2012 West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence awards open on February 20th and close on March 30th. For more information or entry forms contact Julie Kissell at Development West Coast events@dwc.org.nz or (03) 7681073 or www.leadinglight.org.nz

ENDS

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