MOUNT Gambier businessman and community leader Ben Hood has been selected as one of InDaily’s South Australian Top 40 under 40.
The inaugural awards were held at the National Wine Centre last Thursday where the 37-year-old Hello Friday director and co-creator of George the Farmer was selected out of over 500 nominations and 160 shortlisted entrants to be included in the Top 40 list.
The 40 Under 40 Awards celebrate the passion, vision and achievements of South Australia’s finest young business people under the age of 40 and the contributions they are making to the future of our state.
The program recognises the personal determination and commercial drive of future business leaders, as well as the philanthropic pursuits that balance these individuals’ professional achievements.
“I am absolutely stoked to be included in the Top 40 Under 40,” Mr Hood said.
“There were so many inspirational and innovative people included in the list, so to make it is a real honour.”
Mr Hood was the only regional business person included in the list and said he hopes to see many more young regional leaders recognised.
“What young regional leaders want to see is opportunity and possibility,” he said.
“The Top 40 Under 40 awards is an amazing start in promoting and advocating for young leaders to continue to innovate in South Australia.
“Our state can be at the centre of innovation, new discoveries and new opportunities – but it shouldn’t be restricted to metropolitan SA, we need whole-state thinking.”
Mr Hood is vice president of the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce and a director of Stand Like Stone and has been actively involved in a number of community projects across the Limestone Coast.
“I am extremely passionate about the Limestone Coast and Mount Gambier in particular,” Mr Hood said.
“These awards can help to shine a spotlight on the great and innovative things happening in our regions and I will continue to promote and advocate for our great city.”
