I have been part of the Greater Shepparton Business Network Board since September 2022, however I have been part of Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) as an active contributor, board member, and supporter for almost 30 years. In my current role as President, I am responsible for the partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in an effort to better connect Greater Shepparton businesses with the Victorian Chamber’s government policy advocacy work, and deliver improved business IR, HR and training resources locally.
I am also the owner and General Manager of Stephens Jewellers Shepparton and Echuca, designing and manufacturing jewellery locally while also working with manufacturers and gem merchants across the world.
Along with my wife Michelle, we established the business in 1994, purchasing the former Gerrards the Jewellers in Fryers Street, a business originally established by Michelle’s Grandfather back in the 1950’s. Now approaching their 30th anniversary of being a dynamic independent Jewellery business in the Goulburn and Murray Valley region.
I am a member of an Australian buying and marketing Group, Jewellery Industry Management Company (JIMACO trading as Showcase Jewellers) and across a 30-year period I have played an active role in advancing the marketing arm of the group. I was a Director of JIMACO for 6 years, serving some of that time as Board Chair representing the interests of businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to transitioning into the Jewellery Industry, I worked in the consumer electronics industry and was the National Product Manager and Strategic Planning Manager for Hitachi Consumer Electronics Australia.
Sincerely,
Stephen Schneider
Greater Shepparton Business Network President