Kiama Council
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald congratulates all the winners, as well as the finalists, who were recognised at the Kiama Business Awards on Thursday night.
More than 130 guests assembled at The Pavilion Kiama for the second annual awards, organised by Kiama Business Network.
Kiama Municipal Council is proud to be a major sponsor of the event.
All finalists from the categories have automatically qualified for the Illawarra Business Awards at the University of Wollongong on 11 September.
Bee Inspired owner Rachael Peedom was a popular choice as the winner of the Kiama Business of the Year award.
Her beekeeping business, which provides education and mentorship, also took out the award for Excellence in Micro Business.
Ms Peedom said she was "speechless" after being named the Business of the Year ahead of fellow finalists Cin Cin Wine Bar and Marketing Movement.
KBN president Cathryn Lyall said all the finalists deserved praise for going above and beyond to boost the local business community.
"Your dedication, passion and commitment to excellence is what makes Kiama such an extraordinary place to live, work and do business," she said.
Mayor McDonald, Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, Councillor Stuart Larkins, Council CEO Jane Frawley, Business Illawarra president Coralie McCarthy and Kiama MP Katelin McInerney were given the honours of handing out the awards.
"As a former president of the local business chamber, I am very proud of how KBN is going ahead in leaps and bounds," Mayor McDonald said.
"The Awards showcased the diversity, spirit and dedication of our local businesses and on behalf of Council, I'd like to congratulate the winners and everyone who submitted an entry because you are all a part of our growing local business ecosystem."
Kiama Business Awards winners
Business of the year: Bee Inspired. Finalists: Marketing Movement, Cin Cin Wine bar
Outstanding Business Leader: Gulcin Topel - Saltwater. Finalists: Meg Storey - Marketing Movement, Esther Keenan - Known Designs & Print, Sheree Bailey - The Collective Beat
Outstanding Community Organisation: Kiama Sevens. Finalists: Kiama Community Radio, Zonta Club of Kiama-Shellharbour.
Employer of Choice: Marketing Movement. Finalist: Culleton Lawyers
Excellence in Micro Business: Bee Inspired. Finalists: This Old House Studio, Miss Zoe's School of Dance, Known Designs & Print, Luckies Knickers, Micro Ear Care, Resolve Business Coaching
Outstanding New Business: The Sea & Beau. Finalists: Seth Dental Gerringong, Lane, Havenwood Pottery Studio, That Bike Guy
Outstanding Employee: Jes Cochrane - Marketing Movement. Finalists: Erin Egan, Lily Hoyt-Bull, Veronica Bardsley, Cantekin Baysal, Britt Flecknoe
Excellence in Small Business: Cin Cin Wine Bar. Finalists: Slow Dough, Marketing Movement, Travel Focus, The Collective Beat, Saltwater
Visitor Experience: The Collective Beat. Finalist: Saltwater
Outstanding Young Business Leader: Teresa Vi Nguyen. Finalist: Georgie Davey - Serious About Socials.
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