Thursday 29 September 2005

Brisbane's Best Bosses Named

The accomplishments of Brisbane’s best business leaders were rewarded today at the prestigious Brisbane finals of the Australian Institute of Management 2005 Management Excellence Awards.

The Management Excellence Awards is the only awards program celebrating the contribution of individual managers to the success of their businesses. Fifteen finalists competed in the Brisbane finals in three categories: Professional Manager of the Year, Owner Manager of the Year and Young Manager of the Year.

Professional Manager of the Year Mr Shane Fracchia AIMM, Chief Executive Officer of Holy Spirit Home, offered words of advice to would-be recipients of the prestigious AIM award.

"You need to be generous as a leader, to share your time, ideas, encouragement, respect, compliments and feedback with others," Mr Fracchia said.

Owner Manager of the Year Mr Salvatore Battaglia of Perfect Potion commented on his passion for work, that he had passed onto his team – "which are the only reason we’re here today.

"It’s personally gratifying to grow the business from a one-weekend market stall to eight concept stores in prestigious locations throughout Australia and establish a national and international brand," Mr Battaglia said.

Young Manager of the Year Ms Kirstin Ferguson AFAIM, Director of Corporate Services, Deacons, admitted to Google-ing the other finalists and said the experience "gave plenty of cause to think this award was going to them."

She offered the following advice to aspirant young manager: "Never compromise your integrity – always tell the truth and always speak up for those who cannot do so for themselves."

The creative force behind one of the most controversial ad campaigns ever seen in Australia, the famous 1983 Grim Reaper ads, Siimon Reynolds, was the keynote speaker.

Mr Reynolds addressed the lunchtime gathering of the city’s top managers on the five steps of branding: how to create a great brand, keeping that branding consistent, capturing a brand in one word, reflecting branding in company activities and following through with service.

"When it comes to branding, simplicity rules," Mr Reynolds said.

Australian Institute of Management CEO Carolyn Barker AM FAIM said that three winners named at the lunch would go on to compete in the MEA state finals, to be held at Sofitel Hotel, Brisbane on Friday 4 November, 2005 from 7pm.

"This awards program has earned a reputation as the premium showcase of the most talented managers in Queensland," Ms Barker said.

"Our alumni of past winners is very impressive and a very influential group for any manager to aspire to join."

Ms Barker said the awards were an opportunity to recognise the endeavours of those Queenslanders who were trying to better the way they do business everyday.

"Their innovations are unique and critical in the competitive market, where the ability to manage and lead is vital," she said.

For further information or to arrange a photo or interview, please call Joanne Keune at Sequel Communications on 3251 8133 or 0438 500 412