Greg Whiteley, Managing Director of Whiteley Corporation, was awarded the Hunter Business Chamber Business Leader of the Year, at their yearly award ceremony held on Friday night.
The awards were presented at a gala dinner attended by more than 500 business people from across the Region.
Chamber CEO, Kristen Keegan said that Greg was a shining example of the calibre of leaders the Hunter business community is home to.
“The Hunter is home to many individuals and organisations that represent the wider diversity and success of this region,” Kristen said.
“They continue to demonstrate the high standard of ability and innovation that the Hunter has become well known for.”
Engineering company, Varley, was presented with the President’s Award by Chamber President Richard Anicich, who commented on their long term commitment to the Hunter and beyond.
“This award is recognition of the significant role Varley has played in our regional and wider economies and the history of local manufacturing over 128 years,” Richard said.
Other winners included, Bottrell Business Consultants who were rewarded for Excellence in Small Business (-20 employees) and Jayco Newcastle, awarded the Excellence in Business (20+ employees).
Pepper Tree Wines were the winners of the Customer Service (-20 employees) award and Nurses Now won the Customer Service (20+ employees) award.
The Local Chamber of Commerce Award was awarded to the Cessnock Chamber of Commerce while the Australian Rail Track Corporation won the award for Contribution to the Region.
Hunter Surf Life Saving won the Hunter Water Savers Award and Ben Hainsworth, of BeilbyOPRA Organisational Psychology, was named Young Business Executive.
Kristen said the judges had commented on the outstanding achievement of finalists in all categories.
“The winners clearly demonstrate yet again why this region remains a powerhouse economy,’ she said.
Image | Young Business Executive of the Year winner Ben Hainsworth, President’s Award winner Varley – CEO Jeff Phillips, Business Leader of the Year winner Greg Whiteley
Photo courtesy of AJM photography
