NightOwls celebrate success at Awards Gala Event

North Queensland, Mackay, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane franchisees have something to celebrate after being announced as winners at the 2008 Annual NightOwl Awards for Excellence Ceremony last night.

The gala event, held at the Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa on the Gold Coast, was attended by over 100 NightOwl franchisees, support office staff and business partners from across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

NightOwl Franchisor Adam Adams said the awards ceremony capped off a successful year for the Australian-owned and operated retail franchise company.

“We are fortunate to have such a high calibre of business men and women operating our 50 stores across Australia, and these awards are a testament to their hard work and dedication,” he said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank each and every one of our franchisees and their staff for playing a part in NightOwl’s ongoing success.

“But of course, I have further praise for our award winners, who were all up against some tough competition this year.

“The award winners hail from across Queensland with the Cairns franchisee picking up three awards, Brisbane franchisees walked away with three awards and Mackay and Sunshine Coast franchisees received one award each.

Mr Adams said the major award of the night – Franchisee of the Year went to a couple who had made a real difference to the business.

‘Ian and Lisa McLauchlan have been with NightOwl for over 20 years now and their franchise has blossomed in that time,” he said.

“This award recognises Ian, Lisa and their Fortitude Valley team for their presentation, attention to detail, attitude and approach, and their willingness and desire to actively reinvest in and grow their business.

“They are a fantastic example of what NightOwl franchises are all about.

“Congratulations also to Belinda Campbell from NightOwl Forest Lake who won the Store Manager of the Year award.

“Belinda is a positive role model for the Forest Lake store staff and always goes above and beyond the call of duty for NightOwl customers.

“She has demonstrated exceptional retailing skills in managing a NightOwl Store, using the NightOwl systems and tools to merchandise, provide superior customer service and ensure a safe workplace environment is maintained for NightOwl customers and staff.”

A full list of the 2008 NightOwl Award winners follows:

Franchisee of the Year 2008 - Ian & Lisa McLauchlan, NightOwl Fortitude Valley

Store Manager of the Year 2008 – Belinda Campbell, NightOwl Forest Lake

Frost Bite Champion 2008 - NightOwl Greenfields Mackay

Cool Water Champion 2008 – NightOwl Cairns Shields Street

Best Debut by a New Franchisee 2008 – NightOwl Upper Mt Gravatt

Supplier of the Year 2008 – Golden Circle

Best Customer Count Growth 2008 – NightOwl Cairns Sheridan Street

Best Increase in Basket Spend 2008 - NightOwl Mooloolaba

Best Gross Sales Revenue Growth 2008 - NightOwl Cairns Sheridan Street

Best Increase in Items Per Basket 2008 - NightOwl Chermside

FAC Award in recognition of a Support Centre Staff Member 2008 – Joel Douglas, Brisbane