Geelong business leaders gathered at Provence Wines on Thursday 17 February for a cocktail reception to celebrate the 2021 Geelong Business Excellence Awards winners and sponsors.
Chamber president Ben Flynn said businesses drove the Geelong economy and the calibre of last year’s award winners were testament to the strength and depth of business talent in the Greater Geelong region.
“The 2021 winners are now part of the business ecosystem. As leaders you are part of rebooting and driving confidence,” he said.
All in attendance agreed with Mr Flynn when he said it was wonderful to again be able to attend a function in person after last year’s awards and lead-up events had to be held virtually because of COVID restrictions.
Mr Flynn said the chamber was delighted with the audience of 20,000 plus viewers who tuned into the 2021 virtual event, but everyone involved hoped this year’s gala dinner in October would go ahead in person.
Giovanni Siano, the owner of the 2021 Business of the Year Home Instead Geelong, said it was an honour to win and represent the aged care sector.
“Winning gave us the reassurance that we are on the right path and doing things right,” Mr Siano said.
He said COVID had been a “challenge” for his 300 staff but the business’s mission had never waivered – to improve the lives of Home Instead clients and attract and retain the best staff.
When asked if Home Instead Geelong would enter next year’s awards, Mr Siano, who won three categories, said “apparently I’ve been banned”.
Entries for the 2022 awards open on 5 May. For more information go to www.gbea.com.au
