The Port Stephens business community turned out in style to the Examiner's 2019 Annual Business Awards in Shoal Bay on Wednesday night.
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Demonstrating how supportive small businesses in Port Stephens are of each other, there was wild cheers and applause throughout the night as the 40 award winners were revealed at Shoal Bay Country Club.
Nursing recruitment agency Nurses Now from Raymond Terrace won the health and medical gong early in the night and was later announced to be the Overall Business of the Year, which business owner and manager Laurinda Pericleous said was "amazing".
"I am very proud to say we've been so warmly received in your community. As of [October 15] we have been living and working in Port Stephens as of six months," she said on stage after claiming the gold award.
"We can't thank you enough for the support you have shown Nurses Now, from your local hospitals, aged care sites, from Port Stephens people themselves. We've been able to employ a staggering 153 local nurses.
"We're all about being local. We feel very privileged to be in your community. We've built a home in your community. You people are awesome. Thank you."
Two Port Stephens businesses claimed dual awards this year. Totally Workwear Port Stephens, based in Salamander Bay, won the men's and women's fashion or footwear awards while Century 21 Curtis and Blair from Medowie won both real estate awards, for sales and property management.
Two Bobs Bakery in Nelson Bay won the new business (first year) award.
Speaking before the start of the awards presentation, Port Stephens Ryan Palmer congratulated all the finalists and highlighted the ways in which the council supports small businesses and how much of an impact they have in the community and on the economy.
"Your role in our local community can not be underestimate You serve our community, you create employment opportunities for our locals and you make our towns vibrant places to live and busy," Cr Palmer said.
"We have 4700 small businesses in Port Stephens that adds nearly $4.8 billion to our economy each year."
Addressing the 450 guests at the awards on Wednesday night, Port Stephens Examiner editor Anna Wolf spoke about the process in which finalists and winners are determined.
She said 7000 individual votes were counted and more than 400 businesses entered into this year's event.
"This evening is about showing recognition to those who contribute not just to the local economy, but to our community," she said.
"It is a night to reflect on the achievements of businesses in the area and celebrate the outstanding service, dedication and commitment delivered each and every day.
"Just being a finalist is a testament to your hard work and service in the community."
The winners of the 2019 Annual Business Awards
1. Accommodation
Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach
2. Accountant
DJ Cooper Accounting - Raymond Terrace
3. Animal Services
Bark n Purr Pets - Nelson Bay
4. Automotive Services
Tanilba Bay Tyres & Mechanical
5. Bakery
Saxby's Bakery Cafe - Salt Ash
6. Beauty Therapy
Barley Sugar Day Spa & Beauty - Salamander Bay
7. Boating, Fishing or Camping
Let's Go Adventures- Nelson Bay
8. Building, Construction and Renovation
East Coast Timber Floors & More - Taylors Beach
9. Butcher
Guy's Choice Cuts - Nelson Bay
10. Cafe
Central Beans Cafe - Williamtown
11. Children's Services
Angel Tots Early Learning Center - Salamander Bay
12. Club
Nelson Bay Golf Club
13. Dance Studio
Complete Performing Arts and Classical Coaching - Taylors Beach
14. Fashion or Footwear-Ladies
Totally Workwear Port Stephens
15. Fashion or Footwear Mens
Totally Workwear Port Stephens
16.Financial Services
Greater Bank Raymond Terrace
17. Fitness
Tomaree Aquatic Centre - Salamander Bay
18. Florist/Nursery
Salamander Village Florist
19. Fresh Produce or Markets
Fat Wren Farm - Fullerton Cove
20. Furniture/Home Décor
Chalk and Willow - One Mile
21. Gift Store
Lilly Hill - Salamander Bay
22. Hair Salon
Forever Hair & Beauty - Medowie
23. Health and Medical
Nurses Now - Raymond Terrace
24. Hotel or Bottle Shop
Spinning Wheel Hotel - Raymond Terrace
25. Jeweller
Terrace Showcase Jewellers - Raymond Terrace
26. Learning, Training or Recruitment
Joblink Plus - Salamander Bay
27. Legal Service
Sawers & Levonpera - Raymond Terrace
28. New Business (1st Year)
Two Bobs Bakery - Nelson Bay
29. Newsagency
Shoal Bay Newsagency
30. Pharmacy
Lemon Tree Passage Pharmacy
31. Real Estate - Sales
Century 21 Curtis and Blair - Medowie
32. Real Estate - Property Management
Century 21 Curtis and Blair - Medowie
33. Restaurant Australian Cuisine
Amanda Douglass Catering Service - Corlette
34. Restaurant - International Cuisine
Mod Thai - Port Stephens
35. Shopping Complex
MarketPlace Raymond Terrace
36. Specialised Services
The Food War Inc - Raymond Terrace
37. Takeaway Food
The Oyster Shack - Tanilba Bay
38. Technology Industry
Excel IT - Nelson Bay
39. Tourist Attraction
Feet First Dive - Nelson Bay
40. Overall Business Of The Year
Nurses Now - Raymond Terrace