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 Green turned gold as the 3R Group won the Hawke's Bay Today Supreme Business of the Year Award at the Westpac Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in Napier last night.
3R Group developed and managed the Resene Paintwise take-back programme and the Agrecovery Rural Recycling Programme.
Bruce Emerson and Graeme Norton accepted the top award as well as the Orb Communications Small Business Award at the British American Tobacco complex in Ahuriri, a landmark art deco building.
Mr Emerson told the 600-plus crowd "an ounce of action was worth a tonne of theory". "Green is the new gold and the business opportunities in this field are endless," he said. "People in business who succeed have swallowed their fear and set out to create something special. That is what we have done, create something special for ourselves and our customers.” He also said the days of being teased about "wearing socks with your Roman sandals" were over. Sustainability and global warming had become the buzzwords of today.
Mr Norton said there had been a lot of talk about the "dirty R word, recession lately". "But we're moving on to the next letter in the alphabet - S. We're talking about success and satisfaction."
All 11 category winners were in contention for the overall award. Convenor of judges Rick Cranswick said 3R Group was a standout local company with a huge vision. "Built on quality and rigorous systems with comprehensive manuals and procedures, 3R is an excellent example of business success," Mr Cranswick said.
"It uses creative, targeted marketing processes to reach the supplier, distributor, purchaser and end user.
"Their business model allows competitors to work together collaboratively and its planning goes from a strategic level right through to individual action lists - 3R knows where it's going and staff are also living the company's vision."
For the judges 3R has stood out across every aspect of its business operation – for its strategic direction, planning, implementation and performance. This business is an ‘influencer’ right to government level. They are already leaders in their field and their expertise is recognised nationwide and increasingly internationally.
Not only does the 3R Group do great work, they have achieved outstanding business results by providing solutions to one of the largest growing environmental issues industry faces today.
Speaking this morning, Mr Norton said the staff were taking it easy with a celebratory breakfast. The office would be closed today.
"I believe business is about inspiration, perspiration and celebration. "We did more of two of them last night. But soon we'll roll up our sleeves and get back to the perspiration."
07.11.2008
Natalie Gauld
HB Today |
