Published Thursday, 08 February, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
GOVERNMENT CALLS ON “SMART” BUSINESSES TO STAND UP AND BE RECOGNISED
Innovative Queensland firms are being called to stand up and be counted in this year’s Premier of Queensland’s Smart Awards.
Representing the Premier at the launch of the 2007 Awards, Minister for State Development John Mickel said the Awards recognise the achievements of smart Queensland firms in a host of categories, from small manufacturers and agribusiness firms to mining giants and creative businesses.
“These awards, now in their fifth year, are about rewarding those gutsy companies that are out there taking risks, innovating and transforming their businesses into globally competitive enterprises,” Mr Mickel said.
“We want to hear their stories, learn about their advances, and celebrate their ingenuity.”
“Being part of the awards helps a company in a number of ways.
“Category winners receive $10,000 as part of their prize thanks to our sponsors but the increased profile, boost to staff morale and the doors that open when you’re recognised as a leading-edge company all have untold economic benefits that help grow a business.
“The overall winner will also receive $10,000 in flights from Qantas.”
Mr Mickel said the ongoing success of the Smart Awards was testament to the Queensland Government’s Smart State vision.
“Our Smart State Strategy is working – our economy is booming and our quality of life is the envy of others,” he said.
“We’re investing in infrastructure, in research, in skills, in education, we’ve maintained our low tax position, low unemployment, high jobs growth and the highest per person net worth of any state – we’re creating the right environment for business.
“As a result, we’ve got firms in every corner of this State succeeding because they’ve embraced the notion that innovation and creativity is essential to growth.
“It’s time these firms shared their stories and their successes – and I look forward to seeing many new entries in this year’s awards.”
Further information is available at www.smartawards.qld.gov.au
Prizes are made available by the 2007 Smart Award category sponsors: Qantas, CSIRO, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cullen & Co, Rio Tinto, and the Australian Institute for Commercialisation. The 2007 Smart Awards alliance sponsors are QUT Creative Industries, Department of Mines and Energy, and Millhouse IAG. The media partners are The Australian and ABC Regional Radio and ABC 612 Brisbane.
Winners will be announced at a gala evening at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday 7 June as part of Queensland Week celebrations.
The closing date for entries is Friday 30 March 2007.
_______________________________________
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
Representing the Premier at the launch of the 2007 Awards, Minister for State Development John Mickel said the Awards recognise the achievements of smart Queensland firms in a host of categories, from small manufacturers and agribusiness firms to mining giants and creative businesses.
“These awards, now in their fifth year, are about rewarding those gutsy companies that are out there taking risks, innovating and transforming their businesses into globally competitive enterprises,” Mr Mickel said.
“We want to hear their stories, learn about their advances, and celebrate their ingenuity.”
“Being part of the awards helps a company in a number of ways.
“Category winners receive $10,000 as part of their prize thanks to our sponsors but the increased profile, boost to staff morale and the doors that open when you’re recognised as a leading-edge company all have untold economic benefits that help grow a business.
“The overall winner will also receive $10,000 in flights from Qantas.”
Mr Mickel said the ongoing success of the Smart Awards was testament to the Queensland Government’s Smart State vision.
“Our Smart State Strategy is working – our economy is booming and our quality of life is the envy of others,” he said.
“We’re investing in infrastructure, in research, in skills, in education, we’ve maintained our low tax position, low unemployment, high jobs growth and the highest per person net worth of any state – we’re creating the right environment for business.
“As a result, we’ve got firms in every corner of this State succeeding because they’ve embraced the notion that innovation and creativity is essential to growth.
“It’s time these firms shared their stories and their successes – and I look forward to seeing many new entries in this year’s awards.”
Further information is available at www.smartawards.qld.gov.au
Prizes are made available by the 2007 Smart Award category sponsors: Qantas, CSIRO, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cullen & Co, Rio Tinto, and the Australian Institute for Commercialisation. The 2007 Smart Awards alliance sponsors are QUT Creative Industries, Department of Mines and Energy, and Millhouse IAG. The media partners are The Australian and ABC Regional Radio and ABC 612 Brisbane.
Winners will be announced at a gala evening at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday 7 June as part of Queensland Week celebrations.
The closing date for entries is Friday 30 March 2007.
_______________________________________
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.