{"id":168714,"date":"2025-08-28T10:55:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T00:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/?p=168714"},"modified":"2025-08-28T10:55:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T00:55:08","slug":"business-community-gathers-to-toast-2025-award-contenders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/news\/business-community-gathers-to-toast-2025-award-contenders\/","title":{"rendered":"Business community gathers to toast 2025 award contenders"},"content":{"rendered":"

GEELONG’S business community gathered in Fyansford last week to celebrate the finalists of the 2025 Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEAs).<\/p>\n

The awards program, hosted annually by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce and supported by major sponsor LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, is the longest running of its kind in Australia and recognises the region’s best and brightest.<\/p>\n

More than 200 guests attended the event, held at Truffleduck on Thursday last week.<\/p>\n

For several of this year’s finalists<\/a>, it marked their first business networking event of this nature and offered them an invaluable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, forge new relationships and feel part of Geelong’s thriving business community.<\/p>\n

“This year’s awards have once again been elevated to a new level,” Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jeremy Crawford said.<\/p>\n

“Our valued judges are loving the quality of leaders and finalists in the running for our award categories, supported by our wonderful sponsors.<\/p>\n

“As we edge closer to an entertainment-packed, glamorous awards night on October 30th, the Geelong Arts Centre will ignite a business event<\/a> that is not to be missed.”<\/p>\n

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The event featured a keynote address from Ryan Yockins, the managing director of North Geelong-based business Lawn Addicts, which has been named a finalist in this year\u2019s GBEAs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The event featured a keynote address from Ryan Yockins, the managing director of North Geelong-based business Lawn Addicts, which has been named a finalist in this year’s GBEAs.<\/p>\n

Yockins shared the story of the business’s journey, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs, including the pivotal role the team played in saving an A Day on the Green event.<\/p>\n

After torrential rain left the festival site a mud pit, Lawn Addicts transformed the four-acre venue back into lush turf within two weeks, ensuring the concert could go ahead as planned.<\/p>\n

The winners of this year’s GBEAs will be crowned at a gala event at Geelong Arts Centre on October 30.<\/p>\n

Guests will enjoy exclusive use of the venue, in what is only the second full venue takeover of the cultural institution since its $140 million redevelopment was completed in 2023. The first was the art centre’s own celebration to mark its reopening.<\/p>\n

For tickets, head to gbea.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n

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