Rochelle wins awards | Cairns Local News

Company

July 21, 2024

THE OWNER of local manufacturing company, Pro Form Tops, has been named Cairns Businesswoman of the Year for her exceptional contributions to the industry.

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Rochelle Prien was awarded the title at the Cairns Business Women’s Club’s 40th anniversary celebrations last Friday. Thirty-four finalists from various industries competed in eight categories.

Pro Form Tops, based in Portsmith, was founded 33 years ago by Mrs Prien’s parents. The company comprises four businesses: Pro Form Tops, which manufactures laminated worktops and custom flatpacks; Laminates North, a sheet, laminate and plywood supply division; NQ Acrylic and Stone, suppliers and installers of stone and porcelain worktops; and Cabinet Code Hardware, suppliers of cabinet hardware.

It was only five years ago that she and her husband took over the full management of the company. Since then, the local manufacturing company has grown tremendously, creating more jobs, innovation, new machinery and a modern product. As a result, she has now been named Cairns Businesswoman of the Year.

“I’m still in shock, we’re so engrossed in our work that it’s quite special to be able to sit back and look back on your achievements,” said Ms Prien.

“I am very passionate about my staff, they are like family to me, so it is important that we work together as a team and continue to grow so that we can hire more staff and support their families.

“I’m also incredibly passionate about the fact that we’re a local business. We hire local, we manufacture locally, and we offer a great product at very competitive prices. Plus, we’ve created this one-stop shop where people can come in and we can help customers create their dream kitchen.”

According to Kearley Dent, president of the CBWC, the finalists have had a remarkable journey over the course of several months in the awards process, from initial nominations and submissions to attending workshops, networking and appearing before a jury.

Other awards included: Small Business: Fleur Sharpe (Di-Vetelact). Indigenous: Connie Rovina (WidiWorks Aboriginal Art Gallery). Manager: Zoe Williams (Gulf Savannah NRM). Self-Employed: Kylie Anderson (FOHER Co). Young Entrepreneur: Maddison Owens (Bloom – Skin, Brows and Beauty). Collaboration of the Year: Phoebe Kitto and Rebecca Wright (Human Resource Dynamics). Michelle Commins Legacy: Stacey Jeanes (Southside Comets Football Club).