Helen Brodie FAIM, Chair of the Management Excellence Awards, welcomes guests...
Transcript:
Good evening ladies & gentlemen. I have the privilege of being your AIM host for this prestigious Awards ceremony.
In March this year we launched the 2007 Management Excellence Awards at AIM’s Club 50 Chairman’s Luncheon and here we are already – soon to announce our Award recipients.
A little earlier our MC gave us a snapshot of the Awards program. I would like to add that in 2007 the Awards received record nominations.
This year there was a 30% increase in nominations across the state... that’s unheard of in Awards programs in this country. I believe this is attributed to the continued relevance not only of the Management Excellence Awards, but the desire to recognise outstanding individual management talent.
To be part of these Awards provides a wonderful opportunity... Participants benchmark their management skills against other successful managers and leaders across Queensland, the opportunity to expand networks or business contacts is unmatched, there is invaluable time for career reflection and personal growth and you can be recognised for your influence on the careers and lives of others…and of course the quality professional development and feedback from industry leaders is rare and insightful.
The Australian Institute of Management is “in the business of enhancing careers”. This gives us scope to help managers at all levels enhance their skills, plan their careers and climb as high as they choose in the world of work.
Every year tens of thousands of people in this state, and hundreds of thousands of people Australia wide, make use of AIM network services. Few realise the depth and breadth of AIM’s operations and our fierce commercial resolve, which in turn underpins investment in a range of innovative programs and services... from executive coaching to online learning… from Australia wide publishing to certification in business and management.
Tonight you will meet a range of candidates from cities throughout Queensland. We have 29 finalists here from 8 regions. These finalists share that the MEAs have provided a unique experience which includes the opportunity for self reflection, affirmation or a change in direction.
The Management Excellence Awards are in their fourteenth year here in Queensland. Over that period of time we’ve had nearly ten thousand nominations, resulting in over 2500 applications, 300 finalists and winners from all corners of the State.
56 per cent of State level winners have come from Queensland’s regional areas and 44 per cent from metropolitan Brisbane. Think about the cumulative impact of these Awards on city spirit, business, morale, innovation and personal growth... just amazing.
Over the years we have heard stories of how being a finalist or winner has changed peoples’ lives... brilliant new job offers, new investors, recognition from unexpected places and increased profile.
These Awards ensure that we create better managers and leaders for a better society. I have taken a special interest in the judging framework for these Awards so I can assure you of the rigour and transparency of the process.
Over the years many people have asked, “Do I have to be a member of AIM to participate in the MEAs?” The answer is, absolutely not. The Institute exists for all managers and leaders as does this Awards program... can you tell we’re really proud of it?
Our sponsors partner with us because our reputation in the management, leadership and innovation space is renowned.
We partner with you as leaders in your respective industries because you reflect the values and behaviours that we admire. I would like to acknowledge our sponsors one by one. Without our sponsors we could not bring you an Awards program on a fabulous night like tonight.
And last but certainly not least some thank yous firstly to our judges, who are themselves industry leaders and successful business people. Each year, as much effort goes into choosing the judges as it does into seeking high calibre nominations. Many of our judges are here with us tonight... the Institute acknowledges the time and energy you have expended... keep spreading the good word.
I would also like to thank our Regional Committees for the groundwork they do in getting nominations and creating the regional awards. We also have a State Committee of representatives from the business community as well as members of the Management Team. I thank each of them for their input, their ideas and for their dedication in creating the journey to get us to this event.
A special thank you to Cheryl Andersen our Awards Coach and David Hoey and his team for all the behind the scenes work. Our own CEO, Carolyn Barker mentors all the AIM people to ensure the best experience is had by all. As Chair of the Management Excllence Awards it has been a delight to work with all these passionate people.
Tonight our finalists will contest for Professional Manager of the Year, Owner Manager of the Year, Young Manager of the Year and Rural/Remote Manager of the Year... good luck!
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