The judges said about Rose: "Jessie Rose and her business stood out because of the complexity and success of the response to Covid-19 and other 2020 disasters. Forced into the world of online teaching for the delivery of painting classes, she changed her ways of doing business and expanded on those learnings to build new product offerings and outlets for her creativity while at the same time providing those stuck at home with an outlet for their feelings around Covid restrictions and a way to continue something 'normal'.
''A significant decline in the death rate and changes to the way funerals were conducted led to changes and new opportunities in her casket decorating business. Rather than being overwhelmed by a personal tragedy, she directed her response into the establishment of a space in her premises where others with similar experiences could come without judgment or expectation. She took time to reflect on the business, where the strengths are and where she could diversify and improve – and took action on what she found. Every dark experience was turned into a positive and the business thrived as a result, with all of her activities based on sound ecological principles.''
In Rose's words: "The positive from Covid is that it has validated that what we are doing is working and impacts people's lives. We have made a difference."
AWARD WINNERS:
Westpac Northland Business Champions - Supreme Leadership:
Winner: Jessie Rose Boutique, Forever Love Caskets and Inspire Art Studio
NorthTec Northland Business Champion - Business Person (Individual):
Finalists:
Steve MacMillan – Northpower
Jessie Rose – Jessie Rose Boutique, Forever Love Caskets and Inspire Art Studio
Jennifer Andrews – Regent Training
Winner: Jessie Rose – Jessie Rose Boutique, Forever Love Caskets and Inspire Art Studio
Northland Document Solutions Northland Business Champion - Micro Business (1-3FTE):
Finalists:
Wild Ivy Flowers and Gifts
Jessie Rose Boutique, Forever Love Caskets and Inspire Art Studio
KeriCentral Hostel
Winner: Jessie Rose Boutique, Forever Love Caskets and Inspire Art Studio
Henderson Reeves Northland Business Champion - Small Business(4-8FTE):
Finalists:
David's Pharmacy
Blush Beauty Therapy
Heads Up Adventures
Winner: David's Pharmacy
Marsden Maritime Holdings Northland Business Champions - Medium Business (10-24FTE):
Finalists:
BestStart Maunu Village
NorthAble Matapuna Hauora
Winner: NorthAble Matapuna Hauora
Vodafone Northland Business Champion - Large Business (25+FTE):
Finalists:
Northern Districts Security
The Jetsons Group, incorporating No 8 Restaurant, the Cove Café, the Dune Mangawhai Restaurant and Bar, and The Quay.
Pak'nSave Whangārei
Kensington Pharmacy
Winner: Pak'nSave Whangārei
Accident Compensation Corporation Workplace Safety Champion:
Finalists:
Hone Heke Lodge
Individual nomination – Jennifer Andrews Regent Training Centre
Aligned Movement
Winner: Aligned Movement
Northland Regional Council Environmental Business Champion:
Finalists:
Gathered
HeadsUp Adventures
Kohatu Development Ltd
Digital Wings
Winner: HeadsUp Adventures Limited
Top Energy Not for Profit Champion:
Finalists:
Northland Arts Centre
Rugby For Life Community Partnership Programme
Winner: Northland Arts Centre
Northland Inc Innovation Champion:
Finalists:
Aligned Movement
Best Start Maunu Village
Digital Wings
Winner: Aligned Movement
Creative Northland Creative Industries Champion:
Finalists:
Jessie Rose Boutique, Forever Love Caskets and Inspire Art Studio
Wild Ivy Flowers and Gifts
MD Gallery
Winner: MD Gallery
More FM Customer Choice Champion:
Finalists:
Wild Ivy Flowers and Gifts
Blush Beauty Therapy
KeriCentral Hostel
Aligned Movement
David's Pharmacy
Jessie Rose Boutique, Forever Love Caskets and Inspire Art Studio MC
Winner: Jessie Rose Boutique, Forever Love Caskets and Inspire Art Studio
Ministry of Social Development He Poutama Taitamariki Champion (Youth Employee of the Year):
Finalists:
Anahera Pickering – Whangārei Youth Space
Jared Johnston – Northland Scaffolding
Winner – Employee Jared Johnston
Winner – Employer Northland Scaffolding
The Northern Advocate Northland Business Hall of Fame Inductee:
Sandra McKersey
