Winning two awards is a beautiful thing

The secret to a successful business is surrounding yourself with beautiful women, according to Eastbay Dental Centre's John Twaddle.
Mr Twaddle was twice on the podium at last night's Horizon AAA Business Excellence Awards in Whakatane - the first time to collect the Waiariki Institute of Technology Retail and/or Service Excellence Award.
The second time to receive the Horizon Supreme Award.
Hosted by the Eastern Bay of Plenty Chamber of Commerce, the biennial awards that began in 1997 recognised the high achievers in business at a gala awards dinner at the Whakatane Memorial Centre.
After winning the excellence award, Mr Twaddle told the audience he was particularly surprised to have won as "nobody wants to come and see us [as dentists] - ever".
"In some ways it's a miracle," Mr Twaddle said.
Eastbay Dental Centre has been in Whakatane for 34 years and has 12 staff, 11 women and Mr Twaddle.
"That's the secret that's really no secret - employ beautiful women."
Mr Twaddle said he was amazed to have won the supreme award, especially as he thought finalists would have had to provide a set of financials to the judges.
"I wasn't asked for any financials so didn't think I was in with a chance," he laughed.
After thanking the sponsors, judges, the Chamber of Commerce, the 26 other business entrants and the audience, Mr Twaddle went on to say Whakatane was an amazing place, with amazing people who can do amazing things.
"As an example, I must mention my son who gained an Olympic medal in rowing," he said. "Nathan went to a local school and rowed with the local club - the fact that he was from little old Whakatane didn't stop him having a dream he could take on the world."
Just as surprised to collect the Te Runanga o Ngati Awa Excellence in Business Leadership Award was New World's Dave Trubshoe.
The new category recognised a business leader demonstrating outstanding leadership, contribution to industry and involvement in the community.
"When they began reading out where the winner was born and their early schooling I was thinking I must know this chap," Mr Trubshoe told The Daily Post.
"It wasn't until halfway down the track I realised they were talking about me."
Mr Trubshoe said he had been involved in the AAA Awards for the past 10 years as a sponsor and was "floored" when he worked out he was a category winner.
Chief executive officer for the Eastern Bay of Plenty Chamber of Commerce, Gerard Casey, described the evening as fantastic.
"We've got about 300 people here and everyone is buzzing," he said.
Mr Casey had invited Michael Barnett, CEO Auckland Chamber and Roger Gordon, Rotorua Chamber of Commerce. Tauranga Chamber CEO Max Mason had sent his apologies.
He praised Rotorua's Event Impressions for the fantastic setting of the hall, Roger Angell for the sound and lighting and Roger Searle and his team, from Waiariki Polytechnic, for the catering.
"And to our sponsors, especially Horizon Energy, for their support."
Mr Casey said the awards were a great opportunity to showcase the region as the best in the business.