Transforce has been named the winner of the 2016 Gold Rhino.
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The company was also selected as the winner for Excellence in Business Ethics, Excellence in Environmental Sustainability and Excellence in Business 20+.
Transforce managing director Steve Fieldus was also chosen as Business Leader of the Year.
Mr Fieldus said it was a great surprise and honour to receive the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce awards.
“To be recognised as a good business in a great town is an honour. And there’s just so many good businesses in this area, just to be recognised as a part of the group is fantastic,” he said.
The company was established in July 1999 and three years ago became the first heavy vehicle industry in Australia to be certified carbon neutral.
As Mr Fieldus puts it “we’re not your average transport company”.
“It’s not the old days of singlets and thongs, and we’re trying to change that image,” he said.
The managing director said the 42-person strong company was a thriving business due to their customer focused team and loyalty to Central West businesses.
“We’re only as good as our team. The people that work in and behind the scenes are the real backbone and success of the company,” Mr Fieldus said.
The decision to make the company more environmentally friendly was made because it was good for the planet, but it was also a marketing strategy, he said.
“Transport is the third largest polluter in the world when you include all forms of transport, and these days in business you’ve got to do something different.”
It took ten months for the business to achieve its carbon neutral goal.
For now, Mr Fieldus said Transforce was focusing on building the company up, and following their long term business plan. As for the Rhino Awards, he said he would definitely recommend other businesses enter.
“It’s a great networking opportunity, and you get the opportunity to talk to other people about what things they’re doing in their business that you might be able to adapt to your own’ Mr Fieldus said.