Chamber Breakfast Briefing Celebrates Small Business Success Stories

Nearly 60 local businesses attended the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Queensland Small Business Month edition of the Business Breakfast Briefing today, celebrating the achievements, challenges, and opportunities shaping the region’s business community.

The morning’s highlight was a panel discussion featuring three winners from the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards, who shared insights from their business journeys and reflections on what it takes to succeed in the Whitsundays.

Panelists included:

• Kellee Fogg, Whitsunday Law – 2025 Business Leader of the Year
• Elizabeth Hackett, Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach – 2025 Customer Service Champion
• Sam Vanderpoel, Rolling with Netherpoel – 2025 Trailblazing Young Entrepreneur

The discussion explored business growth, customer service, innovation, and the future opportunities emerging across the region.

Speaking during the panel, Elizabeth Hackett encouraged businesses to embrace award programs as an opportunity for reflection and continuous improvement.

“Entering awards allows you to examine what you do and how you do it, and really think about how to raise the bar by auditing your own business standards,” she said.

Young entrepreneur Sam Vanderpoel highlighted the importance of quality workmanship and consistency in building a strong local reputation.

“Get the job done right the first time,” he said.

Business Leader of the Year winner Kellee Fogg spoke about the importance of embracing technology to improve productivity in both business and personal life.

The panel was facilitated by Chamber Secretary Megan Taylor, who said the event demonstrated the value of businesses learning from one another, regardless of their size or stage of growth.

“All businesses, from new sole traders to large and established businesses, are sharing the same journey and can take advice and inspiration from each other,” Ms Taylor said.

“I am proud that our Chamber is enabling these conversations within the business community.”

The event also included a preview of the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards and the announcement of the winner of the Airlie Hill Billboard giveaway — Jade from Weddings of the Whitsundays — as part of the Chamber’s Queensland Small Business Month celebrations.