Keith Grimson's "larrikin Aussie spirit" is one of the qualities that has helped secure him the title Illawarra Boss of the Year 2009.The Illawarra Coal general manager was nominated for the Mercury-sponsored competition by his human resources manager, Leila Hogan.Mr Grimson received the accolade at an awards ceremony at City Beach Function Centre last night. More than 220 people attended the event, including other finalists Sue Corkery, principal of Peterborough School; Nicole Anderson-Brown of Wollongong Vision Australia; Matthew Wright, owner of Albion Park's Pinocchios Pizza and Trevor Fredericks, owner of IGA Jamberoo.Ms Hogan said Mr Grimson showed a genuine interest in the workforce on both a professional and personal basis."Keith's optimistic approach to life, business and his management team has resulted in some significant achievements being reached by our management team over the last few years," Ms Hogan wrote in her letter of nomination."He is an extremely values-based individual who lives his own and the company's values on a daily basis."Keith is focused on the task at hand and has a strong sense of drive and urgency in pretty much everything he does. His enthusiasm is infectious and I personally enjoy coming to work because of his leadership, vision, strong values, commitment to the community and his larrikin Aussie spirit. Mr Grimson is generous with his spare time and for the past 30 years has run a not-for-profit martial arts program through Bulli PCYC," she said.