UPDATE JULY 22:
ALL SEASONS Fruit Market at Bexley won the Business of the Year title at the 2014 St George Local Business Awards.
Held at Venus Function Centre, Kogarah, on Wednesday July 16, the sold-out event applauded regional businesses — in 28 categories — which had gone above and beyond in service for their customers.
All Seasons Fruit Market also won the fruit and vegetable category.
Assunta Giubega has owned the shop with husband Mario for the past 16 years.
Mrs Giubega said that getting the award was a fantastic recognition.
‘‘I’m still in shock, I had goosebumps,’’ Mrs Giubega said.
‘‘Winning most outstanding fruit market was amazing, but to win business of the year was above and beyond our expectations.’’
Her husband Constantin (known as ‘‘Mario’’) left a teaching career to become a chef in his former country Romania, then Austria and Germany.
The couple met in Sydney and in 1998 took ownership of the business.
‘‘We are over the moon on winning two awards,’’ he said. ‘‘Customers have come in and congratulated us.’’
‘‘We are winners, but they are the champions for being loyal and supporting us.’’
Mrs Giubega said the team at All Seasons Fruit Market were focused on providing ‘‘old-school style’’ personalised service.
‘‘I love the interaction with customers who ask us how things are made, and I share my experiences with cooking,’’ she said.
‘‘Customers really appreciate that we are hands-on
and involved.’’
Another top gong to be handed out at the awards was the Business Person of the Year title which went to Shelly Parachini from Admire Florist, Bexley North.
‘‘I’ve worked very hard these past 21 years to achieve where I am today,’’ Ms Parachini said.
‘‘And so do the hard-working farmers who grow and supply the flowers for our shop.’’
Ms Parachini said customers were delighted to learn of her success.
‘‘We had an excellent and exciting response from our customers who supported us,’’ she said.
‘‘I hope this award will attract more customers to support small local business at Bexley North.’’
Precedent Productions managing director Steve Loe said it was another successful St Geoge awards program, with 540 of the best and brightest local business people, sponsors and guests enjoying a memorable presentation night.
‘‘The atmosphere of the event obviously shows a proud local business community,’’ he said.
Nova Employment, Kogarah Council, Hurstville Council, BizCover, Venus Reception Centre, and the Leader sponsored the event.
LIST OF WINNERS:
Automotive Services: West Street Automotive Services
Bakery/Cake Shop: Bakers Delight
Beauty Services: Totally Beautiful Beauty Salon
Café: The Spot Caffe
Childcare Services: Miracles on Russell
Community Services: Majestic Health Aged Care
Dance Studio: ACTiv Elite Performers
Delicatessen/Gourmet Food: Poveli Deli Cafe
Fast Food/Takeaway: Char Cha
Fitness Services: United Taekwondo
Florist: Dianne’s Fresh Flowers
Fruit & Vegetable Shop: All Seasons Fruit Market
Hairdresser: Hairem Hairdressing
Health Improvement Services: Bexley Dental
New Business: iPizza Cafe
Pet Care: Blakehurst Veterinary Hospital
Pharmacy: The Heritage Pharmacy
Poultry/Fish/Meat: Plaza Quality Meats
Professional Services: Alderton Enterprises, Mortdale
Real Estate Agency: McGrath Real Estate
Restaurant — Family: Parea Greek Tavern
Restaurant — Fine Dining: Omeros on the Beach
Service & Trade: Abode Renovations
Specialised Business: Travella Travel
Specialised Retail Business: Foodies Organic Supplies
Women’s Fashion: Black Pepper
Youth Award: Creating Brighter Career Connections
Business Person of the Year: Shelly Parachini, Admire Florist
July 17 story:
All Seasons Fruit Market at Bexley won the Business of the Year title at the 2014 St George Local Business Awards on July 16.
Held at Venus Function Centre, Kogarah, the sold-out event applauded regional businesses which had gone above and beyond in service for their customers.
Shelly Parachini from Admire Florist, Bexley North, won the Business Person of the Year title.
‘‘It was overwhelming and most exciting,’’ Shelly said.
‘‘I would like to thank the organisations that gave me the opportunity, and thank you to my customers for all of their support.
‘‘I’ve been in the industry for 21 years and it’s a lot of early starts but when you hear customers say that the flower arrangements are beautiful, I just melt with happiness.’’
Precedent Productions managing director, Steve Loe, said it was another successful year in celebrating the positive work by local businesses.
‘‘It was an exciting night that highlighted the outstanding businesses of St George,’’ he said.
‘‘The atmosphere of the event obviously shows a proud local business community.’’
Nova Employment, Kogarah Council, Hurstville Council, BizCover, Venus Reception Centre, and the Leader sponsored the event, which also raised money for the St George Medical Research Foundation.
All Seasons Fruit Market also won the fruit and vegetable category.
Assunta Giubega has owned the shop with her husband Mario for the past 16 years.
Ms Giubega said the award was fantastic recognition.
‘‘I’m still in shock, I had goosebumps,’’ she said.
‘‘Our service is personalised and old-school style.
‘‘I love the interaction with customers who ask us how things are made and I share my experiences with cooking.
‘‘Customers really appreciate that we are hands-on,. not just a name.’’
