Nine Hastings businesses are among those who ‘do it best’, after being recognised for their commitment to good service at the 2011 Customer Care Service Excellence Awards on Friday night.
Businesses endorsed by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s nationally recognised Customer Care program were showcased before an audience of more than 200 on Friday night at a gala awards ceremony at Panthers.
In its fifth year, the Awards showcase the best of the best in local business and reward exceptional customer service.
Awards were presented in nine categories, and the winners were:
• General Retail — Broadway Shoes
• Food and Beverage Retailing — Modishe Espresso
• Food and Beverage (Non Store) Retailing/Wholesaling — Port’s Mister Whippy
• Health and Personal Services — Emergency ID Australia
• Professional Services (Financial) - Holiday Coast Credit Union
• Professional Services (Non Financial) — East Port Veterinary Hospital
• Trade Services and Suppliers — Hot Graphics
• Tourism (Accommodation) — Mercure Centro Hotel
• Tourism (Attraction/Entertainment) — Port Macquarie Panthers
In praising the 370 businesses who are now accredited in the Customer Care program, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Administrator Neil Porter said customer service excellence is imperative if a business expects to shine and to stand out from the rest in today’s competitive marketplace.
“Evidence of the program’s success has already been recognised nationally. By recommending and supporting participating businesses, we can all further boost the program,” Mr Porter said.
An exciting addition to the 2011 Awards is the introduction of the Inaugural Customer Care Service Excellence Awards’ “Hall of Fame”.
Accredited businesses who have participated in and been named a category winner three or more times were honoured.
They were:
• Angela Lockwood, Sunrise Health Consultancy;
• COMPASS financial management;
• Rydges Port Macquarie;
• Holiday Coast Credit Union; and
• Port Macquarie Panthers.
Rob Hamilton was awarded the Holiday Coast Credit Union Excellence in Service to the Business Community Perpetual Award.
Awards for outstanding commitment to the Journey of Flavour and Customer Care programs were awarded to Jon Pitkin, Jons Family Jewellers; Louise Beaumont, Focus Magazine; Kerrie McMahon from Wold Par-Tea; and Kathy Balodis from The Corner Restaurant.
The Customer Care Program was established in 2006 by Council and the Customer Care Taskforce with the aim of helping local business and industry achieve ‘best practice’ methods for customer service.
