The Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce 2010 Business Awards is fast approaching, and here are the outstanding local businesses, youth achievers and not-for-profits announced as finalists:

 

 

Gemma Roberts - Serene Beauty:

Gemma was recently awarded the 2010 APAA Therapist of the year, an award that celebrates aesthetics and high achievers in the beauty industry field. Alongside studying a Certificate IV in small business management and holding a managerial role, this young lady has shown great potential during her 1 year employment with Serene Beauty and Medispa in Tugun. Gemma's commitment to her clients, her ability to provide service with care, along with her confidence, sparkles brighter then ever.

 

Ryan Grace - McGrath:

At just 22, Ryan Grace has already found his place in a profession that suits his innate abilities. A natural communicator, Ryan has a genuine interest in the people he works with. Having embarked on his career in real estate, Ryan is now a residential sales agent at McGrath Palm Beach, handling property throughout the southern Gold Coast. Ryan is also an active member of Burleigh APEX charity organization and a member of the Australian Order of Old Bastards (A.O.O.B), another
charitable organization. He also attend regular Chamber of Commerce meetings and recently organized a training seminar which the Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce supported. The free seminar was designed to assist small to medium business in the local area.

 

Manny Pareskevos - Bendigo Bank Tugun:

This young Bendigo Bank Tugun employee has consistently shown dedication to his local community, and of particular note was active with the Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce's support to the Palm Beach Currumbin High School's Australian Business Week activities, where he assisted students in their practical exercises to gain a better understanding all aspect of operating a business.

Lauren Mitchell - Gastar:

A 3rd year apprentice who applies the best tints and foils is hard to find, but at Gaster Hair Salon owner Gregson Gastar can point you in the right direction. At the age of 19, Lauren Mitchell was recently awarded the 2010 National Keune Colour Apprentice of the year. She'll fly over for a 5 day trip to Holland learning new trends and fashion techniques in the upcoming year to participate in an amazing colour course at the Keune headquarters in Amsterdam. Her work will also feature in an international magazine, as she recently won the 2010 Estetica Editorial Award.

 

Jessica Ferris - Graphic Designer:

Jessica Ferris's talents and efforts in her graphic design portfolio are remarkable. Highlights of an MEGT Australia VET Excellent Award and winning Young Business Achiever of the Year Award for the Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce in 2007 were her starting blocks for success. Currently working with the Michael Presley Group, Oceanic Publishing, and Centacare Employment Group, Jessica oversees duties like the creation of new communication tools for employees, refreshing new look client newsletters and creating marketing materials for these companies.

Palm Beach Supercyles:

Palm Beach Supercycles are experienced bike fitters, mechanics and all-round bike aficionados, Palm Beach Supercycles is headed by Roger Campbell, who has been a past Chamber President and is committed to the betterment of the local area. Offering bikes for beginners right through to professional cyclists, Palm Beach Supercycles have something for everyone.

 

Sealife Interiors:

This store on the Gold Coast highway at Palm Beach offers stylish recycled collectable furniture and homewares which have been given a complete makeover to suit a modern beach theme. The store connects with clients through their retail showroom in a converted beachside shack, while also showcasing their creations on Facebook to a wider audience.

 

Gastar Hair:

Established since 2007, Gastar Hair is a boutique hair salon running in Tugun catering for individuals looking for fashion-forward timeless hairstyles. Priding itself on using the best products that look after your hair, Gregson Gastar has 14 years of industry experience and his salon is home to a small dynamic team of 5 trained professionals offering services that range from blow drying, conditioning, free consultations, foils, hair colouring, extensions and specializing in bridal hairstyling and head massages. Selected by the AHFA as one of the top 6 national finalists in the running for Australia's Men's Hairdresser of the Year 2010 and National Senior Stylist of the Year, Gastar also contributes to the broader community. Watch out for their 'Movember' campaigns.

 

Tugun Village Florist:

Starting her career in floristry 18 years ago at the Tafe College in Toowoomba, Karen Brunner has a passion for flowers and her business Tugan Village Florist is all about making people happy. For 10 and a half years, the shop has provided individual and creative flower arrangements for all occasions including weddings, formals, dinner parties and celebrations. Recognised for its innovative and artistic designs, Tugan Village Florist operates as the official florist for John Flynn Hospital. Sole trader Karen Brunner also finds the time for her business to be a local community supporter through donations and contributions going towards the Tugun Bowls Club, Currumbin SLSC and John Flynn Hospital.

 

Greenwood Landscape:

Established in 2005, Greenwood Landscape directors Paul Green and Alan Woodger formed a landscape construction company dedicated to environmental management. Greenwood Landscapes focuses on commercial, industrial and architectural residential landscaping, with a division of design and construction irrigation. From their new Currumbin headquarters, their team of 12 staff work in a range of settings from residential estates, high-rise towers, resorts, casinos and malls. A Greenwood Landscape motto of trust, honesty and hard work is fostered amongst their staff and client base, as they continue in their support of charity to Teenage Adventure Camps, Queensland Firefighters, Kalwun and Southport Rotary Club., and a major sponsor of the Currumbin Valley Golf Charity Day, which raises money for the Currumbin Valley State School.

 

LJ Hooker Palm Beach:

Principals Neil and Robyn Shorrock have lived in the area since 1979 and their local knowledge is invaluable. Being part of the LJ Hooker Group enables them to access our National and International Referral system, and is proud of their performance record and response time to customer enquiries and e-mails. Their support to the local community includes several marquees available free of charge to community groups and organizations, their Mr. Hooker Bear can be organised to be part of any celebration or event, and resident auctioneer Neil Shorrock is also available to conduct miscellaneous charity auctions.

 

Serene Beauty & Medispa:

Located in Tugun, Serene Beauty and Medispa, has been one of the Gold Coast's leading beauty salon for the past 10 years. Owner Megan Waters boasts a team of experienced professionals trained in offering the best retail products in skincare, cosmeceuticals and makeup. Using certified Organic skin care, an environmentally-friendly approach of recycling and reducing unnecessary paper and packing is a key factor. Her team of 10 staff find facebook and twitter as amazing tools to connect with their cliental, and use a system of regular e-newsletters and other multimedia to connect with clients while reducing printed marketing materials. Serene Beauty and Medispa donates over 50 vouchers for schools, local charities and events each year, hosts regular charity events like the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea, and an event in October to raise money for the Mother's Milk Bank, and continues to leave a positive imprint on the Southern Gold Coast community while striving for excellent customer service, guaranteeing a 'no false promises' policy. Serene's Manager also was also recently awarded the APAA Employee of the Year.

 

Bendigo Bank Elanora:

Operating since 2001, Bendigo Bank Elanora's focus on customer satisfaction is the driving force behind it's continued involvement and fundraising efforts for local community organizations such as Currumbin Rural Fire Brigade, Palm Beach Currumbin Lions Club, Leukemia foundation and Careflight. Branch Manager Susie Carter was recently crowned District Charity Queen and a Finalist in this year's Lions Medical Research Personality Quest thanks to her work with the Palm Beach Currumbin Lions Club to raise more than $15,000 to support medical research, with the quest raising $220, 000 overall. Whether it's personal or business banking, Bendigo Bank Elanora have a wide range of banking and financial services on offer to help customers to achieve their goals.

 

Ray White Palm Beach:

26 employees in sales, 10 people in property management, 15 of them men, 21 of them women and 10 under the age of 25; Ray White Palm Beach is the largest single office real estate in the area, and is proud to be investing in the promise and strength of it's youth. Ray White Palm Beach conducts over 1500 free market appraisals every year, and has a strong presence in the region. They also pride themselves on continued financial support for community organizations like the Palm Beach Football Club, Tallebudgera SLSC, Currumbin RSL and the Palm Beach Soccer Club. Marking efforts towards a greener sustainable community, Ray White Palm Beach also recycles waste copier paper and uses recyclable paper.Given the practice generates over 2,500,000 pages of print annually, this commitment has significant benefits to the environment,

 

Currumbin RSL:

In 2009 cash donations totaling over $140,000 was shared amongst local groups and events from a generous Currumbin RSL. In 2010 they hope to continue financial aid to the community.

Currumbin RSL is a dynamic community based organization priding itself on being an integral part of the local community. The club is multi faceted and encompasses CRC, College of Hospitality, Dune Café, Foodoo the Catering Company and a veterans support centre. It's 160 member staff work to completely satisfy visitors with great service and hospitality, and to help the club live up to it's tagline "the best little club in the world"

 

 

Palm Beach Apartments:

Whether you're looking for peace and tranquility, or an adventure, manager of Palm Beach Apartments, Christine Abaloz will strive to make your stay a memorable and enjoyable experience. Running accommodation based on the philosophy of 'treat people like you'd like to be treated' attitude, Christine Abaloz has a strong relationship with local community groups and sports clubs in the area, and offers support and reduced costs for its patrons.

 

Monster Baby:

Winning an accolade in the 2009 Creek to Creek Chamber of Commerce Awards increased local and international exposure for local children's fashion label Monster Baby. 'Monster Baby' was initially launched on the Gold Coast in 2006 with a range of distinct prints across a range for infant onsies, t-shirts and singlets. With its punk rock and skate culture inspired designs, Monster Baby has quickly grown in popularity across the country and is now distributed internationally. All Monster Baby products are designed and hand printed here on the Gold Coast. Through incorporating social media, it's clients are presented with it's offerings online via the MonsterBaby.com.au website, blog, facebook page, YouTube videos and e-newsletters. All products are shipped in renewable/recyclable cardboard, and Monster Baby also supports local children's charities by donating thousands of dollars worth of product and prizes to worthy causes each year.

 

Palm Beach Directory:

PalmBeachDirectory.com.au was created in 2007 to showcase the local area, and has since become two directories in one. First a niche business directory of online business services for the Southern Gold Coast. Secondly a visitor's directory, to showcase walks and drives for local Gold Coasters and Tourists. Owner Gillian Callcott initially created palmbeachdirectory.com.au as Palm Beach and the southern Gold Coast were not represented very well online. She then created walkingthegoldcoast.com in September 2009 to help create a resource that focuses on the best outdoors areas in our region.

 

Bendigo Bank Tugun's Business Achiever Award - Non profit/ Community Organisation.

 

Smith Family Partnership Broker Program:

Established in 1923, the Smith Family continues to lend a helping hand to the community across a wide range of needs, including their School Business Community Partnership broker program.

This program runs as a children's charity that believes in a hand up through education, not a hand out. Running as a not for profit, they have 7 employees on the Gold Coast immersing themselves within various business ventures and communities, working with schools, parents and families to achieve the best outcomes. Always striving for ideas to assist youth and building the community, a partnership between SCISCO alternative education for 14 - 17 year olds students and Currumbin RSL care brings older Australians and young Australians together. Other community ventures include the support of the Palm Beach Youth Music Venture, partners for a vegetable garden for the Currumbin Special School, and school chefs on show at Palm Beach High school with Currumbin RSL, and Elanora High school with North Burleigh SLSC.

 

The Palm Beach Youth Music Venture:

So, you'd like to be in a band? Ian Grace established the Palm Beach Music Venture in 2010 to gather disengaged young people from the age of 14 - 21 years to enable them to become part of a vision. Youth from Palm Beach, Elanora and Currumbin gather weekly to perform, have fun, learn and make friendships. Through the help of the community, participants are matched with mentors to help them realize their potential and strive for musical excellence. The Palm Beach Music Venture will perform their first public appearance for this year's awards.

 

Centacare:

Centracare Employment Group provide a free service in the local community for individuals looking for work. Their mission statement of 'strengthening families, supporting people and communities', delivers a strong work ethic and commitment to its clients. Centacare has operated in the area for the past 7 years, also providing job seek services to people with disabilities. Running as a non for profit organization, staff teams have increased from just 7 staff with 150 clients to 20 staff and 1100 clients.

 

4CRB:

Established in 1984, 4CRB are an easy listening community radio station, existing to support and build the local community of small businesses and Australian artists. A station tagline of 'your friend on the Gold Coast' has become a philosophy, as the station provide support to the isolated, elderly, community groups, non-profits and affordable radio promotion for local businesses. 19 employees and a data-base of 40 volunteers have kept the station alive for the past 26 years, and for the future to come.

 

Ebookeeper.com:

Bringing order to chaos and making life less stressful, innovative local service EBookkeeper provides efficient virtual bookkeeping solutions for people with better things to do with their time. E Bookkeeper is an on-line bookkeeping service developed by accountants in public practice with over 30 years combined experience. Frustrated by the quality and delivery of financial information, they set about simplifying the traditional bookkeeping process. At the core of E Bookkeeper's efficient service is their ability to safely and securely link with your current financial institution, allowing them to import your data direct into their bookkeeping system. This helps to eliminate data entry processes and in some cases, has resulted in an increase of 30 - 50 percent in productivity gains - ultimately this saving is passed on to the consumer through competitive pricing.

 

Barefoot Barista:

Local coffee aficionados are quick to point out that Barefoot Barista whips up arguably one of the best brews on the Gold Coast. This trendy new nook in Palm Beach Ave serves homemade light meals and treats, and although space is limited the store always seems to accommodate the crowds of eager caffeine seekers.

 

Palm Beach Apartments:

Palm Beach Apartments has had the same resident manager, Christine Abaloz, for eight years, during which time the property has become a preferred supplier of accommodation to the local sports clubs and facilities. Christine was a member of the Chamber before it became known as the Creek to Creek, and enjoys being part of local groups that strive towards the good future of Palm Beach. Palm Beach Apartments has been a previous winner of this award.

 

Monster Baby:

Children's clothing label Monster Baby devised a few great savings for parents that also double as environmental savings too. All purchases at their online store, www.monsterbaby.com.au, incur free local shipping. This new measure was introduced last Christmas thanks to an overhaul of packaging to eliminate excess materials like plastic from all postage materials to make the brand more environmentally friendly. Once bulky packaging was cut back, postage prices also dropped dramatically, making it viable for Monster Baby to do away with postage charges altogether.Now, all products are shipped in renewable and recyclable cardboard, which not only cuts down on their carbon footprint, but allows them to pass on the savings to their customers too.

 

 

 

D'Alliance Festival:

The D'Alliance Festival presented by Currumbin RSL provides the community with a free cutting edge festival that supports local arts workers and profiles the arts under one umbrella-including comedy, film, music, street art, circus and interactive creative workshops.

3 dedicated staff, 20 volunteers and numerous Currumbin RSL employees brought the event to life this year for the second year running, providing a community event that aids cultural, social and economic development for the region, and engages local artists and art workers, film, comedy and visual art dreamers. The program is in the process of planning for 2011.

 

Palm Beach Supercycles:

Palm Beach Supercycles on the Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach, are more than your friendly local bike shop. With many years of experience as expert bike fitters, mechanics and all-round bike heads, Palm Beach Supercycles will give you the right advice and exceptional service. After all, owner Roger was the Head Bike Mechanic for the Australian Triathlon team, is a former Australian Ironman and is finished 8th in the recent World BMX championships in China in his category, so knows a thing or two about bikes! Let his team of experts ensure you choose the right equipment every time.

 

Greenwood Landscape Management:

This local Landscape Construction company targets greening both the commercial & industrial market as well as architectural residential landscape construction, and are dedicated to environmental management. For example, a current 12 month project based in a residential estate at Mt Cotton will foresee a relationship between developers GEO Property Group to ensure an intricate environmental sensitivity goal. Greenwood Landscape Management's focus on environmentally sustainable landscapes has been recognized, and is matched by the business's philanthropy and community service. They were awarded a plaque for their citizenship in donating services to a local cancer suffer from the Queensland Police Commissioner, and won the Environmental Management Award in the May 2009 Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards.

 

Sign-A-Rama Burleigh

With a sharp business sense that has seen Peter and Margie Gardner increase their family businesses turn-over by a staggering 217% since taking over Sign-A-Rama in 2004, this husband and wife team still find time to dedicate themselves to service to the community. Margie has actively assisted in raising much-needed funds and awareness for over 20 worthy causes and charity organisations, including Paradise Kids, Homeless Connect and the Victorian bushfire appeal to name a few.