New Hope hailed as city's top business
IPSWICH'S founding industry is still proving to be an economic force with New Hope Group named business of the year at the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce awards.
The gala event was held in front of a sold-out crowd at the Ipswich Civic Centre.
The coal mining giant's chief operating officer Bruce Denney accepted the award and thanked his company's staff for helping to achieve the award.
"I would like to thank everyone at the New Hope Group for their hard work, professionalism and desire to continuously improve our business," he said.
Mr Denney said New Hope was proud to be an independent, Australian-owned and operated company based in Ipswich.
"We are extremely proud to have been based in Ipswich since New Hope started way back in 1952," he said. "I would like to give a special thank-you to the Ipswich community for the strong support everyone in this region has shown the New Hope Group over many years."
Ipswich Chamber of Commerce president Brett Kitching said the award winners varied from major corporations to small businesses with under 10 staff.
"It shows the strength and the span of the quality of businesses in Ipswich," he said.
"There is a range of different awards from large and small businesses like Yellow Jersey and New Hope Coal, the business of the year, which is listed on the stock exchange."
He congratulated Troy Dobinson, owner of Yellow Jersey for winning the small business and young business person of the year awards.
"Good luck to him. Ipswich needs the new generation coming through and he is probably a big part of that."
Chamber awards
- Over 100 businesses entered the 11 categories.
- The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce was launched in 1906.
- 27 Ipswich businesses were finalists for the award ceremony.
