A Who’s Who list of business and political figures converged on the Gold Coast Arts Centre to launch the region most prestigious business awards.

About 70 of the city’s most influential people were at the Arts Centre for the official launch of the 2014 Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards.

Awards president Ian Cousins said Mr Cousins said the awards, which is celebrating its 19th years, were growing from strength to strength.

“It really is amazing when you look back at how much these awards have grown and you also look at the amazing companies that have been winners,’’ he said.

“These awards really highlight how strong and diverse our business community is on the Gold Coast.”

Speaking at the launch, Mr Cousins also threw his support behind Mayor Tom Tate’s push for a cruise ship terminal.

Mr Cousins also publicly backed plan, saying he believed cruise ship terminal would provide a major boost to the local economy.

“I fully support Tom Tate’s vision for a cruise ship terminal and I would urge the entire business community to get behind the idea,’’ he said.

Mr Cousins urged more businesses to get involved in the 2014 awards.

“The one thing that all our awards winners say to us is how much they have benefited from taking part in the event,’’ said Mr Cousins.

“It doesn’t matter whether they simply win a monthly award or a major annual honour, they all say they the recognition and satisfaction they receive is amazing.

“And that does not include the marketing opportunities that arise from winning one of these awards.”

The organisers are now calling for entries for the May awards with entries due on May 1.

Sponsors include City of Gold Coast, Suncorp Bank, Virgin Australia, AusIndustry, OnTheNet, Griffith University, Regional Development Australia and Gold Coast Airport.

And our major supporters are SMART Advertising, Document Solutions Australia, Jupiter’s Gold Coast, Regina King Photography, Bruce Lynton BMW, Bond University & KPMG.

The awards’ media sponsors include the Gold Coast Bulletin, NBN Television, 92.5 Gold FM &  90.9 Sea FM.

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For more information, please contact:
Danielle Hall or Marshall Hall - Event Directors
Ph: 1300 694 777