QUEENSLAND MANAGERS AWARDED TOP GONGS

QUEENSLAND business leaders have received kudos at the 2011 Management Excellence Awards.

At a gala dinner hosted by the Australian Institute of Management, Tim Rees of BGA AgriServices was named rural Remote Manager of the Year, Sunshine Coast TAFE institute director Ross Hepworth claimed Professional Manager of the Year and Corporate Travel Management CEO Jamie Pherous (pictured) received the 2011 Medal for Management Innovation.

Rees was commended for steering Toowoomba-based BGA AgriServices through the global recession to become a thriving rural merchandise business. He impressed the judging panel with his consultative approach and commitment to personal and professional development.

Judges agreed that Hepworth’s inspirational vision and ability to capitalise on international business opportunities helped Sunshine Coast TAFE become more innovative and sustainable.

Pherous, on the other hand, guided his national corporate travel company through recent Qantas Airways industrial action over pay and work conditions by managing a team to rebook more than 5000 flights in a single weekend. His unwavering commitment to business growth through management innovation was praised.

Other winners include Technigro CEO Nick Bloor (Owner Manager of the Year), G8 Education general manager operations Jae Fraser (Young Manager of the Year) and A. B. Paterson College principal Dawn Lang (Not-for-profit Manager of the Year).

Awards chair Julie Boyd says all finalists showed that high-calibre and innovative leadership still flourishes in Queensland.

“Innovative, pioneering and ‘down to earth’ managers from across the state are at the heart of the Management Excellence Awards. These individuals shape Queensland business and the local communities in which they live and through the awards represent,” says Boyd.

“Our new state-wide category for not for profit manager of the year uncovered a dedicated, hard-working and inspiring group of, often under-appreciated, individuals who work tirelessly for their communities.”