Welcome from Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk
Reflecting Brisbane’s growing reputation as Australia’s new world city, I am excited to announce that the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards has three new categories for 2013 – Digital Champion, High-growth Business Start-up and Excellence in International Education.
This year we also welcome the awards presentation and gala dinner back to City Hall, following the building’s extensive three-year restoration.
Now in its eighth year, the awards celebrate the innovative and entrepreneurial businesses and individuals who make an integral contribution to Brisbane’s $114 billion economy. These awards also demonstrate why more and more decision-makers worldwide are choosing Brisbane for business, investment, study and conventions.
Brisbane’s economy is expected to virtually double to $215 billion by 2031. We are a major hub for large resources companies, a significant centre for research and innovation, and have driven much of Australia’s continued economic growth in defiance of the international downturn of the past five years.
Next year we will be in the global spotlight as host city of the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit and we are embracing the Asian Century like no other Australian city.
New campaigns such as Choose Brisbane are enticing investment from overseas and new strategies like Digital Brisbane are helping to kick-start a business revolution.
Brisbane continues to prove its worth both nationally and overseas and The Lord Mayor’s Business Awards does just that, promotes our city as a hub for innovation and fresh, original talent.
As host of the 2013 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, I invite you to join us in celebrating and recognising our city’s talented and successful businesses.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk
LORD MAYOR BRISBANE