Double R managing director Rusty Russell accepted the award from Mudgee Sunrise Rotary  president David Miles in front of a record audience of 333 people at Parklands Resort.

Mr Russell said it was extremely exciting to be recognised as the 2014 Clock Award Overall winner. 

“There are so many quality finalists in all categories, as represented here tonight with over 320 people in attendance representing their businesses,” he said.  “It really does show how much this business community punches above its weight.”

Mr Russell, who billed his first hour in 2006 as a one-man operation working out of a ute, now runs a business with clients in NSW, Queensland and Western Australia. 

He said the most enjoyable aspect of being in business had been the opportunity to develop a team. 

“Our team continually go the extra mile and have a level of commitment that continues to exceed expectations that would be normally expected,” he said. 

“Adaptability has been a strong part of our ongoing efforts -  recognising that changes are inevitable and accepting the realities of a situation such as the recent economic downturn.

“This approach  in addition to incorporating an entrepreneurial spirit and not being afraid to step out of our comfort zone  have all contributed to the make-up of what Double R is today.”

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Our journey is not complete , there will be many exciting challenges ahead which will add to the Double R story. Thank you to the Mudgee community for all your support.”

As the overall winner of the Clock Award, Double R took home the prestigious Clock Award trophy. 

Two of trophy’s four clock faces are usually set to eastern standard time and the other two to daylight savings time, allowing the winner to simply turn the trophy around according to the time of year. 

However, for the next 12 months, the Clock Trophy will be proudly displayed in the Double R offices with faces set to NSW and Western Australian time. 

Mr Russell also thanked the Rotary Club of Mudgee Sunrise for their efforts in running the awards program and raising funds for the Mudgee Scouts. 

Awards in 13 categories were chosen by panels of independent judges, with the overall award chosen from the category winners. 

The award for most popular business, which went to Blooms The Chemist, was chosen by popular vote. 

The Apprenticeship/Trainee of the Year Award was won by Zeke Bailey of Moolarben Coal/Skillset, who was chosen on the basis on interviews with the six finalists. 

Mudgee Sunrise Rotary president David Miles said the judging panels had commented on the high calibre of the submissions from a number of the category winners.   

“The criteria was addressed with much attention to detail and reflect strong customer focus and excellent service,” he said. 

Each of the category winners  receives 12 months free membership of the Mudgee Chamber of Commerce and a gift pack of wines from Robert Oatley Vineyards.

Retail 1:  

Winner: Blowes Menswear 

Runner-Up: Mudgee Newsagency 

Retail 2:

Winner: Cherry Red 

Runner-up: S&S Meats 

Trade Services:

Winner:  AK Constructions 

Runner-Up:  Rapid Plumbing and Gas 

Personal Services: 

Winner: Bella Medi Spa 

Runner-up: Ultimate Care Skin & Body Centre 

Industrial/Manufacturing/Construction: 

Winner: Double R Heavy Equipment Repairs

Runner-up: A1 Earthworx 

Non-profit/government: 

Winner: Pioneer House 

Runner-up: Lifeskills 

General Services: 

Winner: Mudgee Guardian & The Weekly 

Runner-up: Fairview Artspace 

Professional Services: 

Winner: Country Physiotherapy 

Runner-up: Blooms The Chemist 

Hospitality 1: 

Winner: Mudgee Brewing Company

Runner-up: Mudgee Bakery & Café 

Hospitality 2: 

Winner: Alby & Esther’s 

Runner-up: Mudgee Corner Store 

Most Popular Business:

Blooms The Chemist 

Best New Business:

Mudgee Corner Store 

Disability Access Award:

Rapid Plumbing & Gas 

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year 

Zeke Bailey, Moolarben Coal/Skillset 

Runner Up: Stephanie Limm, Oriental Hotel