Big year for chamber- Treasurer Andrew Manor, outgoing treasurer Peter Thompson, president Rob Downing and

By Lia Bichel
IT WAS a big 12 months for the Dandenong Chamber of Commerce, and the business group continues to travel full steam ahead.
Members of the chamber gathered at the annual meeting and networking evening at the Sandown Regency in Noble Park on Monday to celebrate their successes over the past year and discuss their plans for the future.
President Rob Downing said there were a number of key events that occurred in the past year that warranted recognition, including the Christmas Carols, the Dandenong Community Race Day, golf events, the grand finale luncheon which raised $15,000 for charity and the annual Premier Business Awards.
“One of the ways the chamber has created an opportunity for business people to network with others is through the awards process,” he said.
“This year will be different to the previous years. It is the 20th year and we are holding a gala dinner like we have never had before to highlight the achievements of local businesses,” he said.
Mr Downing said he hoped 1000 people would attend the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Platinum Premier Regional Business Awards to be held on St Patrick’s Day next year at the Crown Casino.
Mr Downing said he was proud of the work the chamber did and looked forward to another busy year. “We have a massive year coming for the chamber,” he said.
“Hopefully everyone gets on board.” The meeting concluded with Mr Downing thanking executive officer Deanne Johnson for her continuous hard work and support, thanking outgoing treasurer Peter Thompson for his contributions over the past decade, and welcoming new treasurer Andrew Manor of Aston Ryan and Malcolm in Dingley.