Back to Previous

First regional winners announced in Excellence in Franchising Awards

Sarah Stowe

Some of Australia’s leading franchising brands, including Bakers Delight, 7-Eleven and Pack & Send, were in attendance as winners of the Regional categories of the 2010 Excellence in Franchising Awards were announced on Friday 6 August.

The Excellence in Franchising Awards celebrates, both regionally and nationally, the success of hard working small business people in the franchise sector and this year has seen one of the largest number of entries.

Franchisees Brian and Jo Denvir of Bakers Delight, Patterson Lakes took out the VIC/TAS Franchisee Community Service Award for their contributions to local charities and schools. In the last 12 months alone, the Denvirs have been involved with promoting over 15 local community groups including six local schools and the Breast Cancer Network of Australia.

Sara Pantaleo, CEO of La Porchetta restaurants, was named the VIC/TAS Franchise Woman of the Year Award. The last 12 months for Pantaleo have been challenging, with the sudden passing of her brother and founder of La Porchetta, Rocky Pantaleo, and she was praised for her ability to keep the business focused and on track.

Other winners included Ashley Coburn, Bakers Delight, Rosebud (VIC/TAS Franchisee of the Year – 2 or more staff); Shane & Sally Cole, Pack & Send, Melbourne City 3 (VIC/TAS Franchisee of the Year – Less than 2 staff); Brad & Katherine Underhill, Matchbox, Eastland, Doncaster & Knox (VIC/TAS Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year); Alan Sammut, MINIT Australia (VIC/TAS Field Manager of the Year).

The Awards showcase travels to NSW, SA, QLD and WA over the next four weeks.