Mulgowie Farming Co. named Business of the Year
They're a successful family-owned business and this year the prestigious title of Business of the Year was awarded to the Mulgowie Farming Co. at the 2019 Lockyer Valley Business, Training and Apprenticeship Awards.
For more than 70 years, the Emerick family has farmed the rich, fertile plains of Queensland's Lockyer Valley. Boasting a team of 400 staff, Mulgowie Farming Co. has farms located across South East Queensland, North Queensland, Victoria and Granite Belt regions.
The family-owned and operated company is the largest farmer of fresh sweet corn and beans in the country and are sizable producers of baby corn, broccoli, capsicum and pumpkin.
Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan congratulated the family for their commitment to build a benchmark business that delivers a sustainable and positive future.
"Mulgowie Farming Company are renowned market leaders in their field and their effective management of all facets of business transcends their success," Mayor Milligan said.
"For many years this family-owned and operated business has grown from a single-owned farming operation into one of the nation's corporate leaders in production horticulture and we are proud to have them as part of the Lockyer Valley community.
"Their investment in a sustainable future and technology adoption put both their business, and our region, in good stead to successfully navigate vegetable production, pest management, soil fertility and product initiative for years to come."
Logie-Award winning actress and writer, Mary Coustas hosted this year's event in her beloved character Effie, much to the delight of the 400-plus crowd.
"Not only was Effie our MC but she was also the night's entertainment which, going by the laughter in the room on the night, was enjoyed immensely by everyone who attended," Mayor Milligan said.
"She was funny and engaging and it was a pleasure to have her host this year's ceremony."
This year's Mayor's Award went to Lockyer Valley Security Services for their deep-rooted involvement in the local community.
"Lockyer Valley Security play an integral role across our region in not only maintaining community safety but preserving the mateship and camaraderie that compliments country service," Mayor Milligan said.
"They demonstrate an evident passion to grow, thrive and give back to our local community, and have been honouring this commitment for almost 30 years.
"It's one of those significant moments where as a Mayor I can pay tribute to not only a business, or business person, but also an awesome local community person and this award is extremely well deserved."
A full list of the winners is as follows:
Business of the Year - Mulgowie Farming Company
Tourism - Preston Peak Winery Function Centre
Food and Dining - Caf - Jak & Mo Taste Co
Food and Dining - Caf - Honourable Mention - Sweet Valley Bakery
Food and Dining - Restaurant - Porters Plainland Hotel
Professional Health Services - Family Health Clinic Gatton
Retail - Large - Schulte's Meat Tavern
Retail - Small - Cube Computers
Trade Services - R&F Steel Buildings
Agriculture and Horticulture Services- Mulgowie Farming Company
Environment and Sustainable Award - Tamor Roses
People's Choice Award - Harry & Miss Tiff Boutique
Mayor's Award - Lockyer Valley Security Services
Apprentice of the Year - Bruce Milsom - Rugby Farming Group
Trainee of the Year - Jackson Copland - Emu Gully Adventure Education Group
Young Supervisor/Manager of the Year - Lauren Mathieson - McDonald's Lockyer Valley
Employee of the Year - Angelo Maggione - Koala Farms
Employee of the Year - Service - Georgia Kelly - Dance Force
Employee of the Year - Agriculture - Ashley Redinger - Rugby Farming Group
Health Fitness and Wellbeing Services - Fresh Start Professional Healthcare
Home Based Business - Fezzy's Pest Control
Professional Services - McNamara Law
Taniatha Glasson - Sage on Hickey - Encouragement Award
Nick Ahern - Rugby Farming Group - Judges Recognition
