Valley Industries CEO, Trent Jennison also brought home an award – 2017 Business Leader.

Trent’s outstanding leadership qualities in managing and developing 13 separate business units was justly rewarded and recognised.

Trent’s acceptance speech brought wide acclamation from all attending as he outlined the goals and achievements he and his fantastic staff bring to fruition.

Related reading: Steber International named 2017 Business of the Year

In the six years since Trent joined Valley Industries, the organisation has undergone significant change and expansion. There are now 13 distinct business units providing services and employment for 440 people – up from 230 six years ago – a 91 per cent increase. Turnover has increased from $4.5 million to $12 million in that time.

All trading profits are reinvested back into the business, in capital expenditure, business development and introducing new services for participants, such as supported accommodation, living skills in the home and transport to enable participants to increase their social participation and become more involved in the community.

“Trent is a truly unique individual. He is one of the most committed men I have ever known,” Paul Hogan, former Mayor of Greater Taree City Council said.

“He gives everything he’s got to everything he does – whether that’s his family, his friends, the community or the people he works with.

“If Trent was a public company I’d want to buy shares in him. I would be the first to subscribe. I’d be his major shareholder!” Mr Hogan said.

The Excellence in Social Enterprise award was given for the achievements at Valley Café, run by Monique Cahill.

Valley Café employs 25 people with disability and four full-time staff. Participants receive a wide range of training and are also encouraged to continue their development by going on to complete the TAFE Hospitality Course.

Monique says one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is seeing the increase in confidence in her team.

Related reading: Manning Valley’s Mid North Coast Business Award winners

“Our participant staff have a broad range of disabilities and varying degrees of ability and confidence when they join us,” Monique said.

“But as they spend more time here, friends are made, connections are made with people from the local community, skills are learnt and their confidence increases”.

“I am exceptionally proud of our organisation and the results achieved by our CEO Trent Jennison and his wonderful support staff,” Mal Shultz, chairman of Valley Industries, said.

“It’s great that Valley Industries has grown its services and employment opportunities to help more people with disability, but the greatest success would be for every organisation out there to give somebody an opportunity, as I can promise you, the dedication and commitment we receive from our participants is exceptional,” Trent said in his Business Leader acceptance speech.