Logan Business Distinction Awards: Yarrabilba Jobs Exchange named business of the year

Yarrabilba Jobs Exchange won the top gong as Business of the Year, while major honours went to best environmental and sustainability award winner Bee All Natural, and best customer service business to Swanborough Funerals.

Bee All Natural also claimed the manufacturing and construction award.

Park Ridge Animal Hospital won the medical and vet services award while the Jimboomba Times took home the media and advertising accolade.

More than 300 businesses nominated for 21 award categories, and 343 people attended the Logan Business Distinction Awards at Logan's Entertainment Centre.

High profile guests included interim administrator of Logan City Council Tamara O'Shea, Forde MP Bert van Manen and Jordan MP Charis Mullen.

Logan Chamber of Commerce secretary Stewart Fleming said this year's Business Distinction Awards featured more high quality applications than previous years.

The Yarrabilba Job Exchange was formed in 2016 with support from organisations including Lendlease and Access Community Services.

Over the past 27 months, it has placed 776 people into paid employment and supported 236 more people into training.

Employment and Facility Manager Diana Bryson won recognition for her out of office hours work supporting local people.

"Because we are far away from Logan or a bus route I'll come in early and meet commuters who are looking for career transition. I'm lucky because the people who come through my door want to work. There is 90 per cent motivation before they come in," Ms Bryson said.

Access Community Services manager Jodi Brackenbury said the business of the year award verified the organisation was on the right track.

"Re-entering the workforce can be challenging and often resumes show employment gaps so we work with people to fill those gaps," she said.

Access Community Services consultant John Perry said Yarrabilba Jobs Exchange's success would be noticed in the local business community.

"Having that level of recognition is not only a great thing for the community, it is a great thing for anyone looking for assistance on both sides whether that is an employer or a person looking for a job," he said.

"It validates what you are doing. Acceptance from the business community is a very significant thing."