Geelong signmaker shines bright on global stage

NEWTOWN signmaker Custom Neon’s rapid growth from a garage to international markets has earned it the region’s prestigious business of the year award.

Geelong Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2022 Geelong Business Excellence Awards at GMHBA Stadium’s President’s Room last night (Thursday) to announce the winners of its 20 awards categories.

Around 800 guests attended the event that was also livestreamed over Facebook in the largest in-person awards ceremony ever organised by the Geelong chamber.

Custom Neon earned commendation from judges for the speed of its growth since launching four years ago, with its fresh approach to branding, its workplace culture and financial management also earning plaudits.

“To start from their garage in 2018 and now have a global business with USA and UK markets and onsite teams in those countries is outstanding,” the chamber stated.

“The marketing of the business supports its fun and professional brand and has segmented their target markets to maximise their sales.”

Other major award winners included business Harvest PR director Maree Herath as businessperson of the year, while You’re Gorgeous Hair and Beauty owner Lee-Anne Campigli won young entrepreneur of the year.

Geelong chamber also partnered with Climate Society for the event to deliver a carbon-neutral ceremony and used local suppliers for its menu for the night.

Chamber president John Stekelenberg said the awards night was a great celebration of local businesses that had thrived in difficult circumstances in recent years.

“It’s so important to recognise those businesses and leaders who have stared down the challenge, embraced the opportunity and taken everyone around them on a very special journey.”