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Source: Queensland Business Review
TechnologyOne founder Adrian Di Marco has been named Business Person of the Year at the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Business Awards in Brisbane, in a year that saw technology companies blitz the field, taking out five of the nine categories.
At a presentation dinner last night, Di Marco said the recognition of the value of the local ICT sector was incredibly gratifying.
“Brisbane’s technology industry is worth billions to the city and state, employing thousands of people,” Di Marco says.
“The city is a breeding ground for some of the world’s most innovative individuals and cutting edge companies and it’s wonderful that this has been so publicly recognised by the Lord Mayor,” he says.
“Brisbane is uniquely placed in the Asia-Pacific region and has the potential to become an Australian Silicon Valley. We’ve got great universities and the necessary talent – there just needs to be an even greater focus on promoting the industry.”
Financial services supplier, GBST Holdings, mining technology specialists MineWare and digital entertainment company Hoodlum, which took out two awards, all shared the stage on the night.
Other local businesses recognised for their achievements included Pipe and Civil Constructions, which took out the Australia TradeCoast Award for Business Growth, and Australian Country Choice, for the IBM Award for Innovation.
McCullough Robertson lawyers won the Brisbane City Council Award for Corporate Citizenship, while the Energex Award for Sustainability went to architecture experts, Hassell.
Finally, the Davidson Recruitment Award for Employer of Choice went to burgeoning development firm, Conics.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman says although this year has tested most businesses and leaders in many ways, the 10 award winners are examples of Brisbane businesses that have adapted creatively to the new economic order and continue to find inspiration and create innovation.
“The winners have been recognised not only for their economic contribution to Brisbane but their ability to enable innovation, create and attract talent, and connect to the national and international marketplace,” Newman says.
“This year also marked an exceptional line-up of 40 judges across the 10 award categories. Many of these leaders have made a national and global impact in their respective industries, and there is no doubt the Awards Program has benefitted from their experience and expertise,” he says.
“Together with Brisbane Marketing, I would like to thank the 133 nominees, the judges, sponsors and the 560 guests who collectively contributed to the enormous success of the 2009 LMBA. Amidst the global economic landscape, it’s a timely reminder of the significant contribution local businesses play in Brisbane’s future as Australia new world city.”
Brisbane Marketing, the City’s economic development agency managed and delivered the LMBA program, as well as hosted the Gala Dinner with the Lord Mayor.
The annual Awards Program will continue in 2010, and nominations are expected to open in May.
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