By Matthew Henry

SYDNEY: Narta member Bing Lee has received recognition from the local area where the business started 50 years ago, with its Bankstown store in Sydney’s west winning the 2007 Local Business Award in the category of best home furnishing and electrical store.

According to the organisers, the awards highlight the strength of local business in the Bankstown area and help develop relationships between businesses and the communities they serve.

Part of the judging process for the awards involved mystery shopping at the nominated stores, with mystery shoppers judging each store’s presentation, product selection, value for money and level of customer service.

Nominations for the best furnishing/electrical store category were submitted by the local community and businesses, with the winner selected by community voting and the results of the mystery shopping.

“To be voted in the home furnishing and electrical category was a bonus but to win is even better,” said Bing Lee Bankstown store manager, Simon Baltsas.

“Winning the award on the votes of our community, acknowledges we are doing the right thing by our customers, with the right attitude and providing them with the best service we can.”

Bankstown City Council Mayor, Clr Tania Mihailuk, extended her congratulations to Simon Baltsas and the staff at Bing Lee Bankstown.

“Small businesses like Bing Lee Bankstown make a substantial contribution to the daily lives of all residents through commerce, trade and employment opportunities. On behalf of the City of Bankstown, I congratulate Simon and the Bing Lee Bankstown team and thank them for the contribution their business has made to the Bankstown City lifestyle,” she said.

The awards are sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank, Bankstown City Council, Bankstown Sports Club and the Cantebury-Bankstown Torch.