Her Businesswoman of the Year - judges' comments

Thursday 25 June 2009
Media Release

Her Businesswoman of the Year 2009

Judges' Comments

BEST NEW BUSINESS – Au Pair Link, Cecilia Robinson

Au Pair Link brings together New Zealand host families with European au pairs to provide an affordable and quality form of home based child care. Since starting Au Pair Link, Cecilia Robinson has set the business on a strong and focussed growth path. In less than two years, Au Pair Link has established offices in four New Zealand cities, become internationally accredited, placed over 150 au pairs in New Zealand and succeeded in becoming approved by the Ministry of Education.

BEST MICRO BUSINESS – Eagars Funeral Services, Casey Martin

Taranaki based, Eagars Funeral Services is owned by Casey Martin. Casey joined the family company in 1992 and bought it in 2007. Casey describes the business as one of event management, specialising in Grande Finales. Like all successful businesses, financial sustainability is built on excellent customer service. Under Casey’s ownership, customers applaud Eagars flawless and empathetic service which they say is delivered as if they were the only people Eagars ever had to deal with.

BEST SME BUSINESS – Sharon Newton, Liquorland Taupo and Napier

With her husband, who works part time in the business, Sharon Newton owns Liquorland Taupo and more recently, in 2009, Liquorland Napier. From taking over a brand new business in 2004, Sharon has been devoted to ensuring the business was financially successful. In doing so, Sharon has set up systems and procedures to ensure that the business is independent of her and therefore sustainable in the longer term. To her credit, year on year over the last four years Sharon has exceeded the financial goals set for the business. She is on track to do the same in 2009.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL ROLE MODEL – Jessica Aitchison, Goldlink Warehousing and Distribution

Goldlink is a freight forwarding company, whose financial success has been built around the niche market of providing an overnight trucking service from Auckland to the South Island. Jessica took over the family business 2 years ago determined to make Goldlink a market leader. To achieve this she has focused on customer satisfaction, optimising systems and motivating those around her. Jessica fosters a company culture which recognises teamwork at every level - even if that means she has to get in her car herself and do a delivery.

MOST OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADER – Chris Dolman, Waiariki Institute of Technology

Chris Dolman is Regional Development Manager for Waiariki Institute of Technology, one of the largest tertiary institutes outside the university centres. Chris is an energetic, positive and motivating individual who has a ready ability to lead and foster collaborative business and community relationships. This is no better demonstrated than through her various other roles as President of the Taupo Chamber of Commerce, Chairperson of the Taupo Youth Arts Trust and as a member of the Taupo Economic Advisory Board.

MOST OUTSTANDING BUSINESS CITIZENSHIP – Terri Foley, Jabiru Enterprises

Jabiru, owned by Terri Foley, helps businesses reach their full potential through business health checks, mentoring and strategic planning amongst many other services. While running a business full time, Terri has immersed herself in the community to a level which is hard to rival. For the past 30 years, Terri has given of her time and her business advisory skills freely in numerous community roles as a board director, trustee, advisor, co-ordinator, judge and supporter. Terri’s commitment and devotion to the local and business community is outstanding.

MOST SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS – Yolande Ellis, Clean Corp

Cleancorp is franchise company which offers cleaning services to businesses in the Auckland region. Yolande Ellis established the company seven years ago and since then it has grown to 471 customers and 147 franchisees. The company’s solid trading result over this time at both the revenue and operating profit level is testament to its financial success. Under Yolande’s stewardship Cleancorp has also demonstrated a commitment to both environmental sustainability and to giving back to the community through its various sponsorships.

HER BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR 2009 – Jessica Aitchison
Goldlink’s sustainable business model and financial success in a very competitive industry can be attributed to a focus on customer service, leading technology and systems and a motivated team. When Jessica first came into the business she set about optimising and streamlining systems, and building a strong team around her. She has fostered a company culture that values people at all levels, innovative thinking and a consistent commitment to very high service standards.

HER BUSINESS NETWORK OF THE YEAR - Sally Connell, Wellington

Consistency is the key that saw Sally Connell trump 18 other regional networks to become Her Business Network of the Year 2009.
In just over a year, Sally has grown the Wellington network to be the largest in terms of membership and is consistently raising the bar.
Sally communicates efficiently with head office team members, sends prompt monthly meeting reports and promotes her network with tenacity and flair that resonates through the women she serves.
Sally is an example for others to follow.

ENDS

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