Iconic enterprises and innovative entrepreneurs from the state's rich business history have been honoured with a permanent place in the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
The 2014 inductees are: Brisbane's first businessman John Williams; corset pioneer Sarah Jenyns; celebrated philanthropist Sir Vincent Fairfax; iconic institution the Bank of Queensland; vital peak motoring organisation the RACQ; and family-run meat processing empire Teys Australia.
Now in its sixth year, the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame is a joint initiative between QUT Business School, State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Library Foundation. It celebrates those organisations and individuals who have enhanced the state's reputation and economy.
Half a dozen Queensland business leaders from past and present were inducted into the Hall of Fame by Governor of Queensland Penelope Wensley during a black-tie gala event at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre last night (THURSDAY JULY 17).
They include the man recognised as Brisbane's very first businessman, John Williams, a coal miner from the UK who followed his convict fiancé to Australia in 1832.
The city's original entrepreneur was behind a range of innovative ventures, including establishing Brisbane's first privately-run general store at what is now South Bank and running the city's first cross river ferry.
QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Little said Mr Williams' pioneering spirit made him worthy of a place in the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
"He was the first to run and develop organised businesses in early Brisbane, and he displayed many of the characteristics that make successful businesses; he was persistent, took risks, carefully managed his resources and was a very hard worker," he said.
"This year's inductees span the entire history of enterprise in Queensland - from people like Mr Williams and early 20th century corset manufacturer Sarah Jenyns to renowned companies like Teys Australia, which had humble beginnings and is still thriving today.
"They have all displayed the typically Queensland traits of innovation, persistence and resilience. And their remarkable stories of success add to the rich tapestry that is Queensland's extraordinary business history and should serve as an inspiration to anyone doing business in the state."
State Librarian Janette Wright said the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame was an important initiative in remembering, recognising and re-telling the stories of businesses and individuals who had played a vital role in the state's business landscape.
The Hall of Fame space resides within State Library of Queensland, while the digital story collection is available online at www.halloffame.slq.qld.gov.au
The full list of inductees into the 2014 Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame are:
• Sir Vincent Fairfax
• Sarah Jenyns (corset pioneer)
• John Williams (Brisbane's first businessman)
• Bank of Queensland
• RACQ
• Teys Australia
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Media contact:
Rob Kidd, QUT Media, 07 3138 1841, rj.kidd@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901
