Wattlebank winery and cellar door, Harman Wines, was named Business of the Year for the second year running in Bass Coast Shire Council’s annual Business Awards, announced last Friday night.
Harman Wines also won the Environment and Sustainability Award, as well as the Hospitality category of the People’s Choice awards.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said it was great to see Harman Wines back on the winner’s podium.
“The judges were once again impressed by Harman Wines’ passion for their farm to plate business philosophy and their use of locally sourced produce,” Cr Tessari said.
Forty-eight local businesses entered the judged awards this year, and around 150 local businesses received a record 1,500 votes in the People’s Choice awards.
Grantville’s Maru Koala and Animal Park took home multiple awards this year including Business Excellence 6+ Employees and the Marketing and Promotion Award.
Dalyston General Store also picked up a number of awards this year, winning the People’s Choice Retail award and earning runner up in both the Business Excellence 0 – 5 employees and Environment and Sustainability awards.
In the People’s Choice category, Cowes business Sargeants Bass Coast Conveyancing won People’s Choice Business of the Year and the People’s Choice Professional Award.
Phillip Island Helicopters had another successful year winning the Industry Collaboration category for the second year running, as well as the People’s Choice Tourism/Attraction award, which they also won in 2018.
Cr Tessari said it was a fantastic night, with over 160 people attending from 40 different Bass Coast businesses.
“It’s a great achievement for businesses to be selected as finalists in the awards and a real testament to the quality of their products, service and overall operation,” Cr Tessari said.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone who was involved in the Business Awards this year, including all of the award winners and finalists and everyone who entered or nominated a business. I’d also like to thank our sponsors on the evening, and Council’s Economic Development Team who worked tirelessly to make this year’s event another huge success.”
2019 People’s Choice Awards
People’s Choice Business of the Year – Sargeants Bass Coast Conveyancing, Cowes
Health and Lifestyle – Hair by Sarah, Grantville
Hospitality – Harman Wines, Wattlebank
Professional – Sargeants Bass Coast Conveyancing, Cowes
Retail Business – Dalyston General Store, Dalyston
Tourism/Attraction – Phillip Island Helicopters, Newhaven
Trades/Services – Chase Computers, Woolamai
2019 Bass Coast Business Awards
Business of the Year – Harman Wines, Wattlebank
Business Excellence 0-5 employees
Winner: Bass Strait Direct, Newhaven
Runner up: Dalyston General Store, Dalyston
Business Excellence 6+ employees
Winner: Maru Koala and Animal Park, Grantville
Runner up: A Maze’N Things, Cowes
Marketing and Promotion
Winner: Maru Koala and Animal Park, Grantville
Runner up: Silverwater Resort, San Remo
New Business
Winner: Bass Coast Boat and Caravan Storage, Glen Forbes
Runner up: Harris Build, Inverloch
Environment and Sustainability
Winner: Harman Wines, Wattlebank
Runner up: Dalyston General Store, Dalyston
Good Access is Good Business
Winner: Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre, Cowes
Runner up: Cheeky, Goose Café, Cowes
Industry Collaboration
Winner: Phillip Island Helicopters, Newhaven
Runner up: Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club, Wonthaggi
