B&E Personal Banking’s partnership with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has been recognized with an Australian Business Arts Foundation Award (Tasmania) in the Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) Division.

The National Australia Bank SME Award is recognition of the success of the Symphony Under the Star Concert series which is held in Hobart and Launceston in February and which provides a unique opportunity for tens of thousands of Tasmania’s and interstate visitors to enjoy great orchestral music.

B&E Personal Banking’s CEO Paul Ranson said that he was delighted that the partnership had been recognised by AbaF.

“2008 marked the fourth year of our partnership with the TSO and our sponsorship of these iconic free outdoor concerts, and we have committed to a $130,000 three year deal which will secure the event until 2011”.

“Our long term commitment to this event demonstrates our genuine commitment to supporting the Arts and helping to make the talent of the TSO accessible to all Tasmanians,” Mr Ranson said.

The National AbaF Awards will be announced in Melbourne on October 16.

The AbaF Awards are Australia's top awards for business-arts partnerships, sponsorships, volunteering and giving and the National Australia Bank SME Award recognises partnerships between businesses employing less than 200 people and an arts/cultural organization.

L-r: Paul Ranson, CEO, B&E Personal Banking;

Corey Bygraves,Senior Partner, NAB and

Geoff Willis, Chair, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

Photo: Alastair Bett, f8 photography