4 August 2024
Finalists announced for Southland Business Chamber’s export awards
The finalists for this year’s Southland Business Chamber Export Gala awards have been announced.
The business chamber’s event manager Leanne Humphrey said she was thrilled to be able to announce the finalists and said she was excited about the diversity and calibre of this year’s submissions.
“Record numbers were received, from big businesses to some innovative start-ups,” she said.
“It was great to see such high-quality entries coming in this year. The judging panel were tasked with making some difficult decisions”.
Humphrey said he judges faced a challenging task in selecting the finalists due to the exceptional quality of the entries.
“The quality of the entries for 2024 was exceptional this year, with the field of entries being so close, it was a tight race,” she said.
The winners will be announced at the “Southland to the World” Export Gala dinner that will take place at the Ascot Park Hotel on September 20.
Humphrey said the gala promises to be an unforgettable evening, featuring a gourmet five-course menu showcasing the finest regional produce, and entertainment by the high-energy musical group, The BeatGirls.
NZ comedian Ben Hurley will serve as the MC for the night, ensuring a lively and entertaining atmosphere, she said.
Humphrey said keynote speaker Lincoln Booth would also be sharing insights into the phenomenal success of Cookie Time, and offering valuable lessons on turning simple ideas into global sensations.
The evening will also include the presentation of the Export Southland Grant, the NZAS Innovation in Export Award and the exclusive DHL Southland Export Mentorship aimed at fostering future leaders in the export industry, she said.
The Graham Dick Memorial Trophy would also be presented on the night, supported by McIntyre Dick, to a Southland recipient to recognise their service to the export industry in the region.
The finalists for the NZAS Innovation in Export Award are; Alliance Group, Auld Farm Distillery, Backlanz and Resolution App.
Those in contention for the Export Southland Grant are Back Country, Bluff Distillery, Davaar & Co and Resolution Farming App.
And those up for the DHL Southland Export Mentorship are Auld Farm Distillery, Fiordland Historic Cruises, Garston Hops, George Munro- Hokonui and Good Guise.
The event is partnered with DHL and sponsored by NZAS Tiwai, South Port Ltd, Air NZ Cargo, Blue River, 360 Logistics and South Port Ltd.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Southland Business Chamber website.
Source: The Southland Times – 4 August 2024