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Colin Smith Award
Dedicated to Young Enterprise in Southland
download the 2011 Nomination Form
Through his association with the Chamber of Commerce and as the Southland President in 1990 Colin Smith saw the advantages for both Southland prosperity and the benefit of budding Southland business talent, that there was a need for promotion and education in entrepreneurship.
Colin was responsible for recognising the merit of Chamber New Zealand's developing Enterprise programe and introduced it to the Southland region continuing as the regional Southland Young Enterprise coordinator for eleven years.
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Beginning with two schools in 1990 and with dedicated recruiting in 1992, Colin built up the Young Enterprise program to comprise of 12 participating schools. During his eleven years, until his death, Colin was dedicated to the success of the scheme. He introduced the Trade Fairs, the mid year orals and end of year celebrations which are now a regular part of the National Y.E.S programme.
Colin recruited support from Southland organisations and businesses. Along with the Chamber, The Invercargill Licensing Trust, The Community Trust of Southland, Craig Printing, McIntyre Dick and Wrightsons became the inaugural supporters and have been consistent local sponsors of Y.E.S. Support from long serving Y.E.S teachers, and mentors are also much valued, adding to the success, by results to the Southland programme.
Outstanding achievements:
Colin was always proud of the Southland Young Enterprisers
• Innovative ideas, standard of operations, presentations, commitments, and ambitions.
• Considerable success in the YES Exam. In the first year of the exam (1996), Rachel Carrell, Southland Girls’ High School, gained the top National mark and won the Fletcher Challenge Trust Scholar of the Year Award.
• Southland schools are constantly finalists at a national level, wining the 2000 major award with success at international awards in Singapore.
Colin & SGHS YES educ@te.com company
winners of the 2000 national Singapore award |
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The reward:
Above all, Colin enjoyed the students’ innovation and development. By the time the product launch and mid year presentations arrive, they gained significant self-confidence. He saw this is an important opportunity for Young Enterprisers to do it “their way” and to express their creativity and individuality.
Many Students can thank Colin for his commitment to them and the Y.E.S programme. He has inspired many to evaluate their future and their skills training which has lead to successful business career paths. As a past President and active member, Colin has contributed much to the Chamber and the Y.E.S programme. He will be a lost to the community but thanks to his legacy many a Business studies student will continue to succeed.
| The Colin Smith award: is presented at the end of year awards to a person who, over time, has shown an outstanding contribution to the Y.E.S programme. The Trustees call for nominations for the award each year requesting written application but may not necessarily accept or present the award in any given year. |
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