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Home > Seniors Card > Events > Business Excellence Awards

2003 Business Excellence Awards

The Minister for Seniors Judy Spence today acknowledged four Queensland businesses for offering outstanding customer service to seniors in their local area.

Ms Spence announced the winners of the 2003 Seniors Card Business Excellence Awards to be presented at an Awards Ceremony at Rydges Hotel, South Bank, Brisbane on Friday evening.

The Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Neil Roberts MP who welcomed the guests and presented the Awards, represented Minister Spence at the Awards Dinner. Mr Roberts paid tribute to the sponsor of the evening, Australian Senior Publications.

Master of Ceremonies, Billy J Smith kept the crowd on their toes with his quick wit and Australia's first lady of rock'n'roll, Carol Lloyd, former lead of the 70's band Railroad Gin, entertained the dinner guests.

The winners in the four categories were:

Ms Spence said the awards were evidence of the fact that good old-fashioned service was still the key to attracting customers, especially older people.

"By delivering quality service and value for money, these businesses are helping Queensland Seniors maintain a high quality of life. Smart businesses go out of their way for seniors, knowing it not only increases their business but also builds community goodwill," Ms Spence said.

"We have received an overwhelming number of nominations for the awards this year, which goes to show that quality service and value for money is alive and well in the State of Queensland," she said.

"Seniors in general tend to be customer loyal, especially to those who offer a personal touch," Ms Spence said.

"Queensland's senior population continues to grow each year, with demographic data showing that by 2020 almost one in five Queenslanders will be aged 65 years and over.

"With our senior population growing steadily, forward-thinking business operators seeking to expand and gain customer loyalty could benefit by tailoring their service to cater to this growing market," she said.

Ms Spence said the awards brought public recognition to Queensland businesses that truly stood out from the rest.

"Businesses that are nominated often go out of their way to serve older people with wonderful acts of kindness, such as free home delivery to loyal customers or caring assistance for seniors with a disability.

"It shows that good business doesn't just mean attracting as many paying customers through the door as you can.

"It means finding ways to really care about your customers and create long-term customer loyalty," she said.

Ms Spence congratulated all finalists for their customer service efforts and encouraged them to keep up the good work by offering useful discounts and 'going that extra mile' to help older members of the community.

Finalists were:

Ms Spence said the Seniors Card Business Excellence Awards, which commenced in 1995, was the only Queensland award scheme that rewarded businesses offering outstanding customer service to seniors.

Only Seniors Card holders can nominate a business for the Business Excellence Awards and only Queensland businesses that provide a Seniors Card discount or offer can be nominated.

Seniors Card provides over 470,000 Queensland seniors with free access to government concessions (depending on eligibility) and business discounts at over 10,000 outlets throughout Australia.

This year's awards attracted business, community and government representatives from throughout the State.

Last updated: 14 July 2008.