By Jayne Munday | September 4, 2009
The spirited efforts of Queensland business women were honoured last night at the 2009 QBR Women in Business Awards, which saw six entrepreneurs take out category awards in addition to announcing overall ‘woman of the year’.
Elena Gosse (third left), Executive Director of Australian Innovative Systems (AIS) not only dominated the manufacturing category for her pool chlorinators, but won the prestigious woman of the year award.
Joining the once small business in 1995, Russian-born Gosse succeeded in bringing her husband Kerry’s vision of using innovation to become an international market leader in domestic and commercial pool chlorinators.
In her acceptance speech, Gosse not only acknowledged the hard work of her team, but made note of the company’s successful year, which saw it take out the AMP innovation award at the 2009 Queensland Telstra Business Awards in August.
“This has been a very good year for the company. It is very important for the team to see its leaders at the forefront,” she says.
“This is a highlight for the business, especially for women who have some doubts in life. I came to Australia knowing not one word of English. My story is a very good example and will hopefully encourage other women and immigrants.”
Other category winners include Karen Le Comte of Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisors for the business and financial services category.
As franchise owner, Le Comte is responsible for setting the agenda of the Brisbane-based business, and building a passionate and customer-focused team.
The not-for-profit award was won by Kerry Watson from Greyhounds Queensland Limited.
Watson’s appointment to Chair of Board overseeing one of the State’s three major racing codes in September 2008 followed more than 30 years’ experience as a greyhound trainer, owner and breeder.
Founder of Aussie Pooch Mobile, Christine Taylor, was honoured in the personal services category.
Taylor established the business in 2001 as a franchised mobile hydrobathing service for the family dog.
From its humble beginnings, it now services 20,000 customers every month throughout Australia.
The professional services award was won by Jano Dawes of The Prop House, which is a Brisbane-based event theming and hire business.
Founded in 1995, it now boasts a staff base of 16 from its fitting location in a 125-year old church in South Brisbane.
Finally, Narelle Gill of Remax Wynnum/Manly won the property and construction award for her amazing success within real estate.
Since establishing operations in 2000, her group has grown to employ 34 staff across two offices.
The cutting edge products and services showcased at the Brisbane event highlight the entrepreneurial success of Queensland women.
Featuring Labor State Member for Sunnybank, Judy Spence, and Channel Ten presenter, Lexy Hamilton-Smith, the evening cast a spotlight on the contributions women make to various industries.
The courageous efforts of all 14 finalists demonstrate success is not merely based on business size, employee numbers or revenue, but drive, passion and committed teams.
Upcoming events for Women in Business include a post awards panel at the Brisbane Sofitel on October 14.