On Saturday 15th July, Summerland were awarded the ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Employer of Choice’ awards at the 2017 Business Excellence Awards.

The awards ceremony, which was hosted by the Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gave out 14 awards on the night.

Summerland’s involvement in the local community after the floods in March was the catalyst for the ‘Business of the Year’ award. The Credit Union was the first financial institution to re-open following the floods, offering banking and other financial services to its customers and non-customers. This included direct charge free access to its ATMs for everybody. For all businesses this included a cash and change service, as well as the opportunity to apply for the $40,000 in business grants that Summerland had made available.

In accepting the award, Lismore Branch Manager, Graeme Herne, praised the effort of his team saying the relationship shared between all the employees at Summerland was one of the keys to their success and service.

Summerland CEO, Margot Sweeney said: it was “wonderful to be recognised” by the Lismore business community. She added, “I’m absolutely blessed I work with so many great people, it’s not about competition it’s about the community.”