September News from the Greater Shepparton Business Network

September really is an exciting time of year in Greater Shepparton as we emerge from a cold Winter and kick start the Spring growing season. The orchards are waking up in a spectacular flush of colour and the paddocks and livestock are looking vibrant.

For GSBN, it’s equally exciting as we launch the prestigious Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards, which includes two new categories for 2024 – Excellence in Food & Agribusiness and Excellence in Export Market Development. The awards are open to all businesses operating within Greater Shepparton and we certainly encourage you to either self-nominate or start nominating the businesses you connect with on a regular basis who are worthy of recognition.

We’ve taken onboard member and community feedback, and continue to improve the Business Excellence Awards nomination process which you will experience firsthand when you visit www.gsbn.net.au to nominate.

Good luck and we look forward to sharing a spectacular evening of celebration at the Gala Awards Presentation Dinner on Friday 25 October 2024.

Stephen Schneider
President – GSBN

We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for Greater Shepparton’s 2024 SPC Business Excellence Awards! This is your opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to our community. Whether it’s a business that has shown exceptional innovation, delivered outstanding customer service, or a young professional who has demonstrated extraordinary potential, we want to hear about it!

The Awards Categories for 2024 are:

– Apprentice/Trainee of the Year (sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia)
– Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign (sponsored by WIN Television, LiSTNR, and The Adviser)
– Emerging & Micro Business of the Year (sponsored by Greater Shepparton Business Centre)
– Excellence in Business: Professional Services (sponsored by Shepparton BMW)
– Excellence in Business: Retail Services (sponsored by Harvey Norman Shepparton)
– Excellence in Business: Trade Services (sponsored by GMCU)
– Excellence in Customer Service: Professional Services (sponsored by are-able)
– Excellence in Customer Service: Retail/Hospitality Services (sponsored by Shepparton Club)
– Excellence in Customer Service: Trade Services (sponsored by MB+M)
– Excellence in Export Market Development (sponsored by Greater Shepparton Business Network)
– Excellence in Food & Agribusiness (sponsored by Noumi)
– Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Optus)
– Visitor Experience of the Year (sponsored by Shepparton & Goulburn Valley)
– Young Professional of the Year (sponsored by LaTrobe University)

Nominating is simple and straightforward. Just visit our website, review the award categories, and submit your nomination. Remember, every nomination is a chance to shine a light on those who go above and beyond in their field. Nominations will be open until Wednesday 25 September 2024, so don’t miss your chance.

Join us in celebrating the excellence that makes Greater Shepparton a thriving hub of innovation, dedication, and community spirit. Let’s showcase the incredible talent that calls our region home – nominate today!

On Wednesday 21 August, we kicked off the 2024 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards with a fantastic launch event held at SPC. The evening was an incredible success, bringing together a diverse group of business leaders, community members, and supporters to celebrate the start of this year’s awards season.

Hosted at SPC’s Corboy Room, the event provided an atmosphere for attendees to connect, share ideas, and discuss the significance of recognising excellence within our local business community. The room was charged with enthusiasm as we unveiled the categories and criteria for this year’s awards, along with some exciting new additions designed to reflect the evolving landscape of business in Greater Shepparton.

The event was a perfect blend of networking, inspiration, and celebration, setting the tone for what promises to be a remarkable awards season. We extend our heartfelt thanks to SPC for their generous hospitality and continued support, and to everyone who attended and made the launch such a success.

As we move forward, we encourage everyone to get involved – whether by nominating a standout business or individual, or simply spreading the word about the awards. Let’s continue to celebrate the excellence that drives Greater Shepparton forward.

On Friday 23 August 2024, around 100 regional leaders gathered at the Northern Victorian Basin Water Summit held in Bendigo to address and discuss the Federal Government’s latest plans for the Murray-Darling Basin. The event was hosted by the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) Water Leadership Forum, and brought together leaders from various industries, local communities, and government agencies, including the Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allen, the Victorian Minister for Water Harriet Shing, and our very own Greater Shepparton Business Network President Stephen Schneider.

Attendees also attended the Victorian Rural Press Club Luncheon, where Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allen delivered a speech followed by a Q&A session. The topics covered ranged from transport and logistics to housing and energy, with points being made to emphasize the importance of regional manufacturing.

The Northern Victorian Basin Water Summit and the Victorian Rural Press Club Luncheon were pivotal moments for our region, allowing key persons to actively engage with government leaders and advocate for the needs of our communities. These events underscore the importance of collaboration and unified voices in shaping the future of our region. We remain committed to working closely with our partners, members, and local leaders to drive positive change and ensure that Greater Shepparton and surrounding areas continue to thrive.

Members are encouraged to consider nominating for a community panel to support the development of the next Greater Shepparton City Council Plan 2025 – 2029. In line with the local government election cycle every four years, the process of developing a new Council Plan has started and will be crucial to supporting and guiding the new Council post the 26 October 2024 elections.

The Council Plan is developed in conversation with the community and details the vision, goals, and strategies to guide Council’s service delivery, activities, and decision-making over a four-year period. The Community Panel will be made up of 30 to 40 members selected as part of the registration process and will reflect the diversity of the Greater Shepparton community. Selection will be based on criteria such as age, background, and where panel members live to ensure there is a true representation of the region.

Panel registrations can be made here: Join our Community Panel | Council Plan – Imagine a four year roadmap | Shaping Greater Shepp (greatershepparton.com.au)

For more information on the Council Plan and developing the region’s future, visit here: Council Plan – Imagine a four year roadmap | Shaping Greater Shepp (greatershepparton.com.au)

Greater Shepparton City Council offer a range of Grants and Funding opportunities each year to local residents, businesses, and community groups.

To view available funding, click here.

As a valued member of the Greater Shepparton Business Network, you have exclusive access to the wide range of benefits offered by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Through our partnership with VCCI, you can take advantage of expert advice, resources, and tools designed to support and grow your business.

Whether you need assistance with workplace relations, training opportunities to upskill your team, or guidance on navigating complex business challenges, VCCI provides the support you need to succeed. This extensive network of professionals and industry leaders offers invaluable insights that can help you stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.

We encourage all our members to fully utilise the VCCI benefits included in your membership. By tapping into these resources, you not only strengthen your own business but also contribute to the vitality and growth of our entire business community. Don’t miss out on these opportunities – explore all that VCCI has to offer and take your business to new heights.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to the following new local businesses to join the Greater Shepparton Business Network this last month.

Additionally, we would like to extend our gratitude to the many businesses that have renewed their memberships with us.

Specsavers Shepparton

Rangtec Services

Whoop Whoop Walk About

Optus Business Centre

Please visit our website at www.gsbn.net.au to learn more about: Membership, Events, Training and the SPC Business Excellence Awards.
We have a range of membership options to suit your business, and our events provide networking opportunities for you and your business.
A membership can be obtained for as little as $330.00 per year, join us today!