For the second year in a row, Norco Co-operative received the Excellence in Large Business Award at the 2022 Northern Rivers Business Awards.
One of the northern NSW region’s largest private employers, independent judges praised Norco for continuing to safeguard its community of 292 Australian dairy farming producers while also cementing a strong, vertically integrated business with exceptional expertise in food and rural retailing.
Receiving the prestigious award was Norco’s Adrian Kings, who said it recognised the hard work and commitment of every single individual within the co-operative.
“This award is for our people,” Mr Kings said.
“The catastrophic floods in February really tested our strength and resilience but it also gave us the spirit to bide together.
“Having staff working and assisting the general community was a show of nothing else but love for the local area and without it I’m not sure where we would be right now.
“We have also rolled up our sleeves in other areas that we feel are fundamental for farmer and community wellbeing including our proactivity towards farmer mental health via our Employee Assistance Program and the Norco Member Cow Purchase Program, which assists farmers in rebuilding their herds following the unprecedented February flooding.”
Norco was also in the running for the Outstanding Employee, Outstanding Young Business Leader and Outstanding Employee categories.
“I was absolutely delighted to share the award celebration with three of my esteemed colleagues who were ‘Team Norco’ finalists and are the champions of our values,” Mr Kings said.
"Two of our finalists have been with us for over a decade and have quietly worked their way up to lucrative careers, a journey that truly deserves to be recognised and celebrated.“
The 2022 Northern Rivers Business Awards recognises and celebrates business excellence across its diverse regional economy with strong industries such as manufacturing, tourism, health and education.