Current Editorials
Business is Great!
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A landscape gardener ran a business that had been in the family for two or three generations. The staff were happy, and customers loved to visit the store, or to have the staff work on their gardens or make deliveries - anything from bedding plants to ride-on mowers. For as long as anyone could remember, the current owner and previous generations of owners were extremely positive, happy people. Most folk assumed it was because they ran a successful business.
The business was indeed generally great, although it went through tough times like any other. What never changed however was the owner's attitude, and the badge saying Business Is Great! Everyone who saw the badge for the first time invariably asked, "What's so great about business?" Sometimes people would also comment that their own business was miserable, or even that they, personally, were miserable or stressed. Anyhow, the Business Is Great! badge always tended to start a conversation, which typically involved the owner talking about lots of positive aspects of business and work, for example:
And so the list went on. And no matter how miserable a person was, they'd usually end up feeling a lot happier after just a couple of minutes listening to all this infectious enthusiasm and positivity. It is impossible to quantify or measure attitude like this, but to one extent or another it's probably a self-fulfilling prophecy, on which point, if asked about the badge in a quiet moment, the business owner would confide: "The badge came first. The great business followed." |
BWC - Central Coast Business Women of the Year 2011
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October 2011 heralded another amazingly successful year for the Business Women Connect 2011 Central Coast Women in Business Awards. Nearly 200 men and women celebrated the fantastic achievements and gave recognition of the women in business and our community at Crowne Plaza, Terrigal. Business Women Connect Director Kim Williams said "We have an amazing pool of talented women on the Coast and I hope this recognition event spurs them on to achieve even greater things in the future." The top honour of Business Women Connect Business Woman of the Year Award was won by Michelle Allen of Webstuff.biz who had earlier in the evening won the Women in Business Services category. Michelle Allen started Webstuff.biz in her home office initially, due to having young children at the time. She eventually moved to the Business Incubator at Ourimbah Campus and then moved into commercial premises at Erina. Work/life balance has played an important role in Michelle's growth as a business woman. "Once I changed my lifestyle to a healthy and active one, my business has grown from strength to strength. I am able to concentrate more and have energy to burn, so I can get a lot done in a day. Also, I feel calm and the happiest I've ever been which allows me to be the best I can in what I'm doing" says Michelle. Being a multi award winning web design company Webstuff.biz also gives back to the Central Coast, they support many non profit organisations such as Camp Breakaway, Central Coast Community Chest, Central Coast kids in need, Central Coast Family Support, Blair's Wish and many more. Michelle says "we take a percentage of the business work we do and give back to non profits that need a helping hand, so all our clients should be proud that they have helped us help many non profit organisations that need support". The other two major Awards were won by Ashleigh McTackett of Hotondo Homes who was the recipient of the Harvey World Travel Young Woman of the Year and Leoni Baldwin of the Department of Premier & Cabinet who was awarded the Robson Partners Woman of the Year Award. Our congratulations to all the 2011 Central Coast Women in Business Awards winners. |
CCAS - "Influencing generations through sport."
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It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner, but with the range of products now available for purchase through the Central Coast Academy of Sport online store at www.thinksport.com.au, we’re looking forward to being able to help plenty of locals out with a quick and easy Christmas shopping option. Our group of official suppliers is growing every day and along with our own exclusive range of Central Coast Academy of Sport apparel, we’re now also offering a wider range of quality products including 2XU compression and performance sports apparel, Audio-Technica headphones, Grip surf and leisure wear, Spalding balls and sporting equipment, Sporte Leisure clothing, Survival first aid kits, Victor Sports strapping tape, and Sports Wisdom coaching resource books. All products are advertised to the general public at recommended retail pricing, whilst CCAS athletes, coaches and officials have the ability to access discounted pricing using their unique discount codes. To celebrate the festive season, we’re offering B2B readers a 10% discount on any purchases through the online store during the month of December. To receive your 10% discount on any purchase, simply visit the online store at www.thinksport.com.au, fill your shopping cart and apply the ‘B2BXMAS’ discount code when progressing through the checkout / payment section of the site. You will have the option to have your items posted out to you direct or to save on delivery and collect in person from the Central Coast Academy of Sport office within the Gatorade Regional Athletics Centre at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi. Please note that the ‘B2BXMAS’ discount code will only apply for the month of December, so be quick to make sure you receive your discount. In other Central Coast Academy of Sport news, we are pleased to welcome Troy Melville and the team at BBX on board as the new major sponsor of the 2011/12 Central Coast Academy of Sport BBX basketball program. BBX has the largest trade exchange network in the world and whilst currently operating in seven countries with 16,000 card holders and over 250 staff, BBX has a strong local presence here on the Central Coast and I know Troy will be making contact with many B2B readers if he hasn’t already. Yours in Sport;
Visit our official website - www.thinksport.com.au
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Tax rebates for employers
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As a Transition to Work program provider, Job Centre Australia is encouraged by the latest announcement from the NSW government in relation to tax rebates for employers that hire a person with a disability.
As more information regarding the scheme is released Job Centre Australia will be sure to keep you up to date. If you would like more information on how hiring a person with a disability makes good business sense call Paul at Job Centre Australia on 4322 5511 |
Building for Generations at LA Group
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Driving around Wyong Township and its fringes quickly reveals many iconic buildings constructed by John Lusted – and in October the Wyong Chamber of Commerce honoured this outstanding citizen by presenting the Kevin Faulks Award for his history of Community Service. John’s list of achievements is impressive, but for anyone who knows Mr Lusted the most endearing feature of this man is his humility. To this day he is still planning good works and he is a most worthy recipient. Gone are the days when one local builder reliably constructed most of the public buildings in the area, but now John Lusted’s son Matthew’s LA Group still successfully competes and adds a timeless quality to the mix where the main ingredient of personal service is paramount and is not forgotten. Matthew Lusted is part of our town and is now our local building connection in the Wyong district. His confidence in this region’s future is undaunted and extends to plans for an LA Group corporate building overlooking the Wyong River. It will bring a vibrant activity and fresh new life to the Shire’s River precinct. Unique design needs an intuitive builder – LA Group offers solid experience, excellent systems and modern processes. Fifty years of Wyong’s history behind LA Group gives this vibrant young company a keen eye to the future of our region. The LA team is based right near Wyong Race Course and their projects stretch from the northern suburbs of Sydney right up into the Hunter Valley. Winners of Master Builders Newcastle “Excellence in Building” Award for 2011, this talented construction company is ready for the next project whether commercial buildings such as schools and hospitals, residential townhouses and individual homes or Interior and shop fitouts. LA Group – www.lagroup.com.au or 02 4353 0633 |
When local knowledge can make a difference!
Letterbox distribution to targeted areas is a great way to ensure your message is delivered to your target market.The LBH Promotions team have over 16 years’ experience in the industry and our extensive knowledge of the demographics on the Central Coast is of great benefit to our clients. We will work with you to ensure your distribution is delivered to suburbs or parts of suburbs that suit your business. Whether you wish to target businesses in the rural or the residential market, we can assist. 96% of Central Coast businesses are micro to small and letterbox distribution is a fundamental, cost effective way to target specific markets. With many businesses opting to work from home, distribution to the Rural and Residential areas of the Central Coast is also an effective way to build your business alliances. Business DistributionLBH Promotions has a unique business distribution method. Your flyer is hand delivered over the counter, into the business ensuring it has made it into the business premises. The distribution is carried out by suitably attired supervisors and staff. A business distribution can be broken down into sectors such as industrial areas, retail areas, local shopping districts or from suburb to suburb. You can deliver from as little as 500 flyers which means you can easily target the market you are seeking. Rural DistributionThe Central Coast has many different sectors of rural areas from hobby farming homesteads to high-end, large land holding estates. If any of these are your market then we can assist you in choosing where to spend your marketing dollars. Residential DistributionIt’s important to distinguish your clientele. We at LBH can work out a plan to cover sections that will allow you the best option for return on investment. The Central Coast has many different demographics from low income, medium income to high income, elderly, families, singles, commuters, etc. Suburbs can be broken down into sections to obtain the best result. On the Central Coast you can deliver from as little as 1000 flyers to a complete area cover of 125,000 flyers. LBH Promotions has extensive knowledge working with boundaries for franchises, real estate boundaries or electorates and will liaise with all parties to ensure those boundaries are kept. Our free pick-up and handling option for Central Coast businesses also allows ease of mind to the client. Whether you have your flyers ready to go or require assistance with Graphic Design and Printing, LBH Promotions can assist. If you are considering letterbox distribution then call LBH on 02 4392 8550 or visit our website www.lbhpromotions.com.au
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ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH...from your Financials?
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I have been told recently that nobody wants to read boring, uninspiring accounting related articles. Well, the NOBODIES don’t have to. But the SOMEBODIES - business people, owners, operators and their staff, who want to be successful in business, just might find something interesting in what an Accountant “with a passion” has to share. To Grow your business you need to Know your business, and that includes the financials. Yes, I am passionate about ‘empowering’ businesses to take control of their financial viability. I set out every day to make a difference to somebody’s business. It may just be as simple as being available to take their call, or, it may be keenly taking the time to explain, answer questions, or analyse data when discussing their financial reports. If the business owner is not aware of what these reports are telling them, how are they going to make the financial decisions that need to be made, sometimes on a daily basis? In the Spring issue of B2B, I posed several questions which were intended to test your knowledge of your business’s financials. Break-even, productivity targets, sales targets, performance indicators, liquidity and financial stability ratios. You may think these do not concern you – well think again. Simple analysis such as these could provide an early warning to costs getting out of control, or product/service prices not returning sufficient margins to cover costs. Knowing the dollar value that you must achieve per week to ‘Break-Even’ can be a great motivator. For example, if by Wednesday of any week you have achieved your break-even dollar amount then Thursday, Friday and Saturday (if trading 6 days) is all cream (profit). How powerful is that!!! The financial health of your business is up to you - if you don’t understand and use the financials to assist decision-making, then the cost of having them prepared could be wasted. What’s coming up in the New Year. As a holistic provider of Tax and Accounting services, we also provide coaching and training services, to share our knowledge and empower business operators and their staff. In November MYC Partners commenced delivering “Business Workshops” which took place in our training/boardroom in Woy Woy. We have been delighted with the feedback we have received so we will be offering more of these two hour sessions in the new year. (And don’t forget, we usually offer at least one of the workshops FREE). The workshop topics have been designed to provide businesses with short, sharp and to-the-point information and activities. Topics included: Cashflow Forecasting, Using Financial Statements for Decision-Making, MYOB Tips & Tricks, Goal Setting to Achieve you Business Vision, and, Essential Elements of Bookkeeping/Recordkeeping. We are also looking at offering half and full day workshops on: “Put the WOW factor into Customer Service”, and MYOB in a DAY (You provide the laptop and we provide the MYOB Educational software). Julie Blatch
Please Note: Many of the comments in this article are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and that the information is applicable to their particular circumstances. |
Contractor or Employee - Are you clear about the status of your workers?
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Are you aware of your responsibilities when employing contractors? As an employer you need to be certain that your contractors are indeed true contractors. Some employers have been treating common law employees as contractors. One reason given by employers is that the worker holds an Australian Business Number (ABN). This suggests that many employers and workers may hold misconceptions about what it means to hold an ABN. Some employers believe that if an individual has an ABN, they are automatically a contractor. They do not understand that only those who are carrying on an enterprise in Australia or who have a clear business intent are entitled to use an ABN. Misconceptions like these can result in a business being non-compliant with their employer obligations such as PAYG withholding and 9% Superannuation Guarantee Contribution (SGC), and may face penalties for failing to comply with these obligations. Workers compensation insurance is also impacted if contractors are ‘deemed’ to be employees, should the ATO make such a determination on the employers arrangement with the contractor. A business using contract workers should ascertain if they are indeed true contractors. Yes, it is easier to pay a contract fee rather than all the administration cost associated with ‘putting them on the books’, but the financial consequence of backdated PAYG withholding and SGC, PLUS penalties for non-compliance, would be a lot worse. Save yourself a lot of stress and worry - use the ATO ‘Employee/contractor decision tool’ at: http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.aspx?doc=/content/00095062.htm and understand your responsibilities as an employer. Ignorance is no longer a defence. Julie Blatch
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Making a contribution to our community could save you money
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B2B with a Twist are proud to be involved in the Newcastle Permanent Introducer Program – providing mutual support to our community. Newcastle Permanent is owned by and run for the benefits of its members. This includes an extensive range of community initiatives such as the Introducer Program. Two very worthwhile local charities here on the Coast will benefit through this program: MMAD (Musicians Making a Difference) – assisting traumatised and abused young people through music and mentoring; and
It’s this easy – anyone interested in applying for a Newcastle Permanent Home Loan or Business Loan product just need to mention B2B with a Twist to their Newcastle Permanent representative and for each successful loan, B2B with a Twist will receive $300* through the Introducer Program. These funds will be pooled and then donated to MMAD and The Iris Foundation as their needs require. For further details and eligibility please contact David Coles, Newcastle Permanent on 0427 240 654. *For every home loan approved and fully drawn down by Newcastle Permanent, the referrer organisation will receive a referral fee of $300. Applicable to new loans only.
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Security on the Internet
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Consumer research over the past 10 years has shown that security concerns and lack of awareness about Internet Banking and its benefits stand out as being the main obstacles to the adoption of Internet Banking in Australia. The convenience and low costs of Internet Banking are appealing however, it’s the issue of security that is the major hurdle. Secure Internet Banking is a major priority for both business and personal banking customers and one that financial institutions take seriously. Many financial institutions in response to these concerns have now established a series of additional security processes in order to help protect their customers from fraud on the Internet. From additional passwords to verify a specific payment, to SMS messaging to confirm payments, the good news is that Internet security is being addressed. VerifID from Newcastle Permanent is a great example of one such service. VerifID provides added security for Transfer, BPAY® and Batch Payments where funds are transferred out of your accounts. VerifID constantly monitors Internet Banking activity and will automatically request authentication for higher risk transactions. Traditionally, when you log on to Internet Banking you simply use your Member Number and Access Code. VerifID offers an additional layer of security to help protect you against possible attempts at online fraud using a telephone of your choice (home, work or mobile). At the time of making a payment or transferring funds via Internet Banking, customers receive an automated phone call that provides them with the VerifID code, which is needed to complete the transaction. Customers simply enter the VerifID code into the Internet Banking screen to complete the transaction. This additional layer of protection helps to prevent unauthorised transactions on accounts. While it’s a simple step, this extra layer of security provides greater peace of mind for Internet Banking payment transactions. VerifID was awarded Money Magazine’s 2009 Best Innovative Service award.
If you require any further information about VerifID call Newcastle Permanent on 13 19 87 or visit www.newcastlepermanent.com.au
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Central Coast Franchisee takes top award.
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Central Coast couple, Tanya and Gavin Kruck took out the prestigious National Pizza Hut Franchisee of the Year Award at a recent national conference. As directors of GT Management Group Pty Ltd, the couple own and operate 3 Pizza Hut franchises; Lake Haven, Bateau Bay and Wyong. Since obtaining their first store Lake Haven, in April 2007, the couple went on to purchase Bateau Bay and build Wyong within 6 months. GT Management Group Pty Ltd employs over 85 staff in all age groups and provides assistance to the disabled and long-term unemployed. Tanya and Gavin firstly thanked their staff for their continued execution and added that “The customers of the Central Coast and great operations have seen company sales grow year on year.” The award is determined by Customer Service KPI’s, Team Member Training, Food & Safety Audits and Sales Growth Performance. The recognition is part of the culture that has succeeded numerous times over the last 4 years. On 9 occasions stores have achieved Annual Champions Club Top 5% of Stores. Last year all 3 stores made the coveted club resulting in members of the management team travelling to Queenstown, New Zealand for reward and relaxation. The current year appears to be shaping up in a similar vein, with only weeks remaining in the reporting year. Bateau Bay is ranked 1st, Wyong 2nd and Lake Haven 12th in the 267 Pizza Hut stores in Australia. |
Central Coast partnership attracts major conference & spotlight on region
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Fresh on the heels of the announcement that the Central Coast is amongst the first regions to receive rollout of the National Broadband Network, a similar partnership has secured the Central Coast to host a premier national conference – Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA) 2012 conference. Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC), in partnership with Central Coast Tourism, won the bid to host the 2012 conference, which focuses on exploring issues affecting regional Australia. As official host for the 2012 conference, the Central Coast will have the opportunity to promote its regional strengths and achievements, increasing future potential for business, investment, tourism and events. “RDACC and Central Coast Tourism are excited to announce that the Central Coast will host the 2012 SEGRA Conference,” said Anthony Dow, Executive Officer of RDACC. “The event is estimated to inject $400,000 into the region and will generate both long and short term benefits for the Central Coast,” he added. Held annually since 1997, the conference attracts an average of 300 delegates from around Australia, with representation from academia, government and industry, as well as host region ‘champions’. “SEGRA has long been recognised as a leading national conference and hosting the event offers economic benefit to businesses within the host region, along with the opportunity to promote the wider destination and location of the conference,” continued Mr Dow. “With the Central Coast inward investment website www.investcentralcoast.com.au launching this year and proposed developments such as The Landing at Gosford presenting a number of investment prospects, the event will present a timely opportunity to promote regional development and business relocation options,” he continued. “Overall, the hosting of SEGRA 2012 will support the goal of building the Central Coast’s profile as an ideal location for hosting national events, as well as for conducting business, investing and visiting,” he said. The conference was held in Geelong this year, where the Central Coast was announced and congratulated on being awarded the 2012 hosting rights. Next year’s conference is likely to be held in October, with a date and Central Coast venue to be set shortly. A dynamic local organising committee will influence the delivery of a world-class programme, before, during and after the SEGRA event, which will leave an enduring legacy for our region. “We would like to acknowledge the contribution from all our partners in supporting the bid, including Wyong and Gosford Councils, , the University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW, Central Coast Regional Development Corporation and NSW Trade and Investment,” added Mr Dow. For more information regarding the 2012 SEGRA conference and other regional initiatives, visit the RDACC website at www.rdacc.org.au or contact 02 4349 4949. |
Shop LOCAL, Stay LOCAL, Play LOCAL!
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The Central Coast is a fast-growing community. Infusing your hard-earned dollars into our local economy by shopping, staying and, of course, playing locally gives a positive impact, benefiting generations to come. Shopping locally can create a closer bond between a business and you, the consumer. You’re treated as a local, not just a John Doe. Most small businesses contribute to our community throughout the year and shopping local supports their efforts. If “We Love Our Central Coast Region”, then why not show our Central Coast businesses a bit of love too? Shop LOCAL! The Central Coast is full of resorts and holiday parks. Many are right on the beach. This means you can not only relax and have a delicious drink by the pool, but you can gaze at our gorgeous, coastal sunsets front row. So, why not Stay LOCAL! Whether you love to golf, shop ‘til you drop, taste beautiful wines, or just spend quality time with your family; the region is overflowing with great recreational things for you to see and do. Giving you all the more reason to Play LOCAL, too! Small changes in our choices can lead to big changes in our region. |
Help us to prevent the tragedy of suicide and create hope
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Early intervention is the key.
Community fund-raising activities and sourcing of donations is building the resource as well as creating awareness of the need for early intervention as a means of prevention. Whilst building the legacy, the Foundation also provides financial and physical support where appropriate for projects targeting ‘at risk youth’. Based on current research young people are most vulnerable from early puberty to mid-twenties. It has also been recognised that early signs of mental health problems can be detected in young children. These are easier and more effective to treat at an earlier age before problems become entrenched. The Statistics are certainly alarming on the Central CoastOne in five people experience a mental illness in Australia in any given year. That is 60,000 people on the Central Coast. Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness (Stigma Task Force 2007) Regardless of the clinical diagnosis of an individual, the socio-economic demographics, life stresses and history of the individual are all evidenced factors in suicide. (Suicide Safety Network 2009) Suicides on the Central Coast have increased each year from 29 in 2006 to 39 in 2009. (Coroner’s Office) There is no indication of a reduction since then. This is a tragic reality and indicates early intervention initiatives are vital in an effort to make a difference to so many lives. The Senate Enquiry into Suicide Prevention in Australia in 2010 has brought to light the reality of the situation and many recommendations have been made to Government for appropriate action. However, at a local level we can all act now and contribute in some way to making our community a happier place. Start in the family and ask “are you OK?” Look after each other. Early intervention can lead to prevention. |
Do you check your website statistics?
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We all hear about website traffic, conversions and where leads come from, however; do you ever spend time analysing your website statistics? We make it a standard to send our clients a monthly report so they can see how much traffic is visiting their website and where it is coming from. Why should you check your statistics regularly? It is important to know how many visitors are coming to your website. You could be spending a lot of time updating your website, adding content or wondering why you are not getting sales online. You need to know a number of important details such as: visitor numbers, where they are coming from, how long are they spending on your site, what keywords are used to find your site and what search engine sends you the most traffic. If you are paying for online advertising it is even more important that you look at your website statistics because you need to make sure you are getting a return on your investment. If your online advertising is not working then take some time to find out why and if you are still are unsure change to another advertising option based on your target market. Sometimes your website might be outdated or you may have a broken link on your site which stops people from going to a specific area. Most web statistics will pick up this type of problem. When looking at my own website statistics, I discovered a few websites that were sending us great traffic. I took the time to look at their sites and found that they were businesses that had put our logo on a links page. While we were not their web design company they were promoting us. I took the time to email them a thank you note and guess what? A couple have become clients - your website statistics can help you market your business. Google analytics will tell you how people are viewing your website; for example you may be getting a lot of visitors using their mobile phones rather than computers. With information like this you can check your website to make sure it is displaying properly on hand held devices. Again, this is an important and often overlooked aspect to check. You should ensure that your website is easy for people to find information quickly; website statistics can help you understand how your users move around your site. Don’t know how to set this up? Then contact us and we can implement statistics to your website. Just for my own research I would love to hear comments from you about what type of web statistic package you use and why? You can post your comments on: www.facebook.com/webstufferina
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Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce 2011 Annual Business Awards
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MORE than 150 people attended the Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Awards on October 14, 2011. The ceremony was held at Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast with a fabulous night of awards, dinner and dancing. The night was a huge success thanks to staff, executive committee and volunteers from chamber membership and our valued sponsors, special thanks to Delta Electricity who has been the Event Partner for over 8 years. The Wyong Regional Chamber Business Awards gives our members the opportunity to be recognised as an award winning business. Congratulations to all of our winners 2011 Annual Business Awards
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