2003 Queensland's Best Bosses Named

An environmentally friendly banana has had universal appeal to judges of the 2003 Management Excellence Awards, held in Brisbane on Friday November 7 at the Sheraton Hotel.

Queensland's best bosses were named before a crowd of more than 600 of the State's top business people at the Australian Institute of Management's 14th annual MEA awards.

Innisfail-based Frank Sciacca's Pacific Coast Eco Bananas was developed following years of research into nutrition, irrigation, integrated pest management systems and social health production systems.

Mr Sciacca, who is Managing Director of Pacific Coast Produce, was named the Rural/Remote Manager of the Year as the driving force behind the Eco-Banana brand with its distinctive red wax tip.

"This is the first eco food product in Australia and our fruit is grown with significantly reduced inputs of fertiliser and chemical," Mr Sciacca said.

"We are also fortunate to be one of only three companies to have our Eco Growing Protocol endorsed by the Great Barrier Reef Research Foundation."

With a percentage of sales going to the Foundation, the judges felt it was clear that Mr Sciacca was not only aware of his responsibilities as a manager but to the environment that sustains his produce.

"Pacific Coast Eco Bananas has improved and protected natural resources; implemented staff development to achieve an effective workplace; and developed marketing strategies for product identification, price stability, control of market dynamics and consumer acceptance and education," CEO of the Australian Institute of Management, Carolyn Barker FAIM, said.

"Not only that, opportunities have been provided to other farmers to develop an export business and that has affected ecological outcomes benefiting the soil and protecting the Great Barrier Reef."

Gladstone also found success with Comalco Alumina Refinery General Manager (Engineering and Construction) Ron Douglas being named Professional Manager of the Year.

Mr Douglas has more than 20 years experience in management, encompassing all facets of leading a successful business.

"It's wonderful to be recognised in such esteemed company," Mr Douglas said in accepting his award.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the workforce in Gladstone for their world class standards of professionalism."

The judges said Mr Douglas' ability to implement cultural change while seamlessly melding more than 2000 new employees into a coherent and well-oiled team impressed them.

"Being an exceptional coach and mentor to his staff along with his desire to continually push the bounds of achievement and dedication set Ron Douglas apart as an innovative professional," Ms Barker said.

"He believes in a team approach to continuous learning and considers that to be a cornerstone of success. Ron also has a healthy respect for constant self-appraisal by asking the tough questions."

Brisbane-based Tourism Queensland's Paul Scurrah, received a great birthday present by being awarded the State's Young Manager of the Year.

"I'm only 4 days away from being too old for the Young Manager category so I've just scraped in," Mr Scurrah said.

Mr Scurrah's implementation of the "Gung Ho" management strategy resulted in a 20% reduction in staff turnover and improved communication at all levels throughout Tourism Queensland.

The judges praised the 35 year old father of two's commitment to leadership, dedication to his work industry, and his holistic approach to the task of management. They also acknowledged his aptitude in terms of commercial realities within a highly competitive and complex environment.

"I am extremely honoured and proud to receive this award and I'm really pleased that there is a system like the MEAs that recognises management and encourages us all to strive to be our best," Mr Scurrah said.

He paid tribute to the Board and Management of Tourism Queensland for "taking a punt" on hiring a young person for an important managerial role.

The booming property market has also provided a showcase for this year's Owner Manager of the Year, Peter Honeycombe.

The Townsville-based owner of Honeycombe's Property Group, was conferred the honour following his outstanding success as a local entity in a highly competitive national market.

His personal motto of "grow or get out" has seen the small family firm with just eight employees blossom into an icon of North Queensland business.

"Whilst we deal in bricks and mortar out biggest asset in this business is our people," Mr Honeycombe said.

"The Australian Institute of Management is a great institution and I think it's great that they honour people of Queensland for their business success. I would also like to thank KPMG for their sponsorship of the category."

AIM's Carolyn Barker said Mr Honeycombe had gained the respect of his peers through hard work, passion and being an extraordinary communicator.

"Peter firmly believes his success as a property developer has come from excellence in trend analysis and industry statistical analysis," Ms Barker said.

"The judges were impressed by his ability to manage a complex business and to take it successfully to the next level with vision and foresight.

"An inspired manager and leader in his field, the growth of Peter's organisation has been phenomenal."

The annual Management Excellence Awards recognise the vision, achievement and skills of Queenslanders and reward them for their management and leadership excellence in four categories:

• Professional Manager of the Year, sponsored by CHR Group.
• Young Manager of the Year, sponsored by Griffith University.
• Owner Manager of the Year, sponsored by KPMG.
• Rural/Remote Manager of the Year, sponsored by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

A fifth honour, the QR Medal for Management Innovation was introduced to the MEAs in 2002 to highlight the business and human significance of innovation to the ongoing prosperity of the State and nation.

This year the winner was the mastermind of the Crocodile Hunter phenomenon, the Best Picture Show Company's John Stainton who, through a 20 year partnership with Steve Irwin has reached a position of unmatched market dominance.

Participation across the state was particularly strong this year with a record number of nominations for the awards.

Carolyn Barker, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Management - Qld & NT said the standard of this year's entries was incredibly high.

"The Management Excellence Awards are an opportunity to recognise the endeavours of those Queenslanders unique and wonderful who are trying to better the way we and they do business everyday," Ms Barker said.

"Their innovations are critical in the competitive market that we live in and we rely on them for a successful business culture.

"Whether you are a farmer living and working from the land or working at a corporate or government level, the ability to manage and lead is a vital one".

Ms Barker said she would like to make special mention of sponsors CHR Group, KPMG, Griffith University, the Department of Primary Industries, QR, DAMOVO and WIN Television for their assistance in making these awards such a prestigious annual event.

For further information or to arrange interviews/photographs contact Melissa Toomey, Spin Business Solutions 0409 500 934/07 3251 8121 or mel@spinbs.com.