TAFE NSW – Illawarra Institute recently played host to a statewide business development conference entitled Breakthrough: New Challenges, Fresh Ideas, Sustainable Results.

The TAFE PLUS Awards for Excellence, which recognise achievements of the previous 12 months in a variety of categories involving functions of commercial business, were held during the conference.

The 2003 awards attracted a record 40 nominations from TAFE NSW Institutes. This year, the awards were judged by Nick Kariotoglou and Paul Garner from the Australian Marketing Institute, and Maret Staron from TAFE Educational Services Professional Development Network.

In addition to the seven major awards, special commendations were presented to a number of training consultants to identify remarkable achievements in several categories.

The 2003 Training Consultant of the Year was Beth Hart from TAFE NSW – Illawarra Institute. Ms Hart works in the South Coast region and has more than tripled the commercial income over a one-year period, in an environment demanding innovative and creative approaches to growing the business.

"I was very honoured to receive the Training Consultant of the Year Award." Ms Hart said. "To be nominated by your peers and then gain success is perhaps one of the greatest highlights of my TAFE career. I work within a great team environment which is totally supportive. Due to my isolation from the main Wollongong Business Centre, this support is imperative to our success both financially and in gaining market share within the Institute against other providers."

"Beth is totally committed to her role as Training Consultant for the South Coast region," said Illawarra Business Development Manager, Cathy Buckmaster. "Over the past 12 months, she has expanded her business and achieved enormous results, undertaking her role with complete professionalism, commitment and dedication."

In its second year, the Sandy Shew Award for Commitment to Business Development was included in remembrance of Sandy Shew, a dedicated and committed Training Consultant from TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute who passed away in 2001.

Sandy epitomised the qualities of innovation, customer service, collaboration and quality which make up this award. This year, the award went to Anne Glover from TAFE NSW – Southern Sydney Institute.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS STORY
CONTACT: CLAIRE TODD
TAFE NSW – CORPORATE MARKETING
TEL: (02) 9246 5610
FAX: (02) 9246 5657
EMAIL: claire.todd@det.nsw.edu.au

OR TO FIND OUT HOW TAFE PLUS CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS
CONTACT: THE TAFE PLUS ENQUIRY SERVICE

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