2004 Business Excellence Awards
The Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors Warren Pitt today recognised four Queensland businesses for their outstanding customer service to seniors in their local area.
Mr Pitt announced the winners of the 2004 Seniors Card Business Excellence Awards at a dinner and presentation ceremony at the Shangri-la Hotel in Cairns on Friday 15 October.
Guests at the Gala Awards Dinner Ceremony were treated to a very special entertainment lineup for the evening with Ms Diane Cilento as the keynote speaker and former leader singer of the legendary 70's rock band Railroad Gin, Carol Lloyd wowed the audience with performance.
Mr Pitt said the awards were evidence 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 increase their bottom line but also builds community goodwill,” Mr Pitt said.
"We have received an overwhelming number of nominations for the awards this year, which goes to show that quality customer service and value for money is alive and well in the State of Queensland.
"Seniors in general tend to be customer loyal, especially to those who offer a personal touch," Mr Pitt 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," he said.
Mr Pitt said the awards brought public recognition to Queensland businesses that truly stood out from the rest.
"Businesses that are nominated often provide wonderful acts of kindness for our seniors through extra services, such as free home delivery to loyal customers or caring assistance for seniors with a disability."
Mr Pitt 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.
Winners were:
- Northside 4 Square Value Plus, Bundaberg - Exceptional Business Award
- Court Terrace Restaurant, Brisbane - Metropolitan Business Award
- Northern Automotive Service and Support, Townsville, Regional Business Award
- The Coffee Club, Brookside, Shopping Centre Business Award
Finalists were:
- Trains 4 U, Roma Street Parklands (Metropolitan Category)
- Dalrymple Tourist Van Park, Charters Towers, (Regional Category)
- Brumby's Bakery Raintrees, Cairns, (Shopping Centre Business Category)
- Muffin Break Southport, (Shopping Centre Business Category)
Mr Pitt 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 more than 490,000 Queensland seniors with free access to government concessions (depending on eligibility) and business discounts at over 7,000 outlets throughout Queensland.
Last updated: 14 July 2008.