20 years and going strong

By Lia Bichel
THE Dandenong Chamber of Commerce is this year celebrating the 20th year of its regional business awards.
And businessmen and women and others will celebrate at Crown Casino on 17 March to honour the best of the best with the Platinum Premier Regional Business Awards.
City of Greater Dandenong Chamber President Rob Downing said the awards not only recognised thriving businesses in the region, but they provided a great networking opportunity for employers and employees.
“One of the ways the chamber has created an opportunity for businesspeople to network with others is through the awards process,” he said.
“This year will be different to 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.”
The chairman of the awards sub-committee, Jamie Sturgess, said the awards were important in maintaining a high standard of excellence in the business community.
“There are sensational businesses in Dandenong, and without these awards they would have nowhere to tell their stories,” Mr Sturgess said.
“It would be a tragedy if the awards didn’t give them a chance to tell the great stories that they are.
“Recognition for businesses is key, but the really important aspect of the awards is that other businesses see the success other businesses have had and become inspired to be like them.
“The combination of recognising and inspiring businesses improves the overall business environment in the City of Greater Dandenong.”
Mr Sturgess said this year’s glamorous event was “Dandenong businesses’ big night”.
“It’s a huge reason to celebrate what Dandenong has going for it,” he said. “It is a fantastic place to do business.”