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67th Annual Report 2013/2014

Our mission:‘to promote regional growth through leadership, support

programs, civic involvement and networking.’

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Greater Dandenong Chamber of CommercePast Presidents

1947-48 Mr H B Elms1948-49 Mr A L Verey1949-50 Mr J F Andrews1950-51 Mr G B Kingsbury1951-52 Mr H R Boyd1952-53 Mr A Adams1953-54 Mr W McNeil1954-55 Mr W Werrett1955-56 Mr C Caithness1956-57 Mr A Jolly1957-58 Mr F T Bunnett1958-59 Mr G Norris1959-60 Mr A C Downard1960-61 Mr B R Patchell1961-62 Mr R K Wagstaff1962-63 Mr M K McLennan1963-64 Mr R Allen1964-65 Mr E Green1965-66 Mr W Titcher1966-67 Mr J W Toon1967-68 Mr A S Gatley1968-69 Mr L Grenda1969-70 Mr F Carroll1970-71 Mr R Surace1971-72 Mr L Thompson1972-73 Mr A Van Angeren1973-74 Mr G Beasley1974-75 Mr A Carter1975-76 Mr C J De Young1976-77 Mr C Campbell1977-78 Mr C Campbell1978-79 Mr J W Toon1979-80 Mr I Kellett1980-81 Mr I Kellett

1981-82 Mr W Black1982-83 Mrs D A Rogers1983-84 Mr C Sanchez1984-85 Mr J Conway1985-86 Mr G Michaluk1986-87 Mr C H Madden1987-88 Mr C H Madden1988-89 Mr G Scates1989-90 Mr B Meehan1990-91 Mr P Taranto1991-92 Mr D Grant1992-93 Mr G Mullens1993-94 Mr J A Sturgess1994-95 Mr J A Sturgess1995-96 Mr S Jackson1996-97 Mr S Jackson1997-98 Mr A Webb1998-99 Mr D Lovig1999-00 Mr D Lovig2000-01 Mr D Lovig2001-02 Mr R Sanderson2002-03 Mr R Sanderson2003-04 Mr P Helmore2004-05 Mr P Helmore2005-06 Mr D Carlson2006-07 Ms R MacNamara2007-08 Ms R MacNamara2008-09 Mr S Dunn2009-10 Mr R Downing2010-11 Mr R Downing2011-12 Mr P Helmore2012-13 Mr P Helmore2013-14 Mr P Helmore

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2013 / 2014 Executive Team President Peter Helmore Vice President Rob Downing Vice President Roy Sanderson Treasurer Caroline Atonio ExecutiveOfficer JacquieBrown Administration Laura Manhire ExecutiveOfficer AmandaChecken Committee Members Paul Wood Leanne McCready Paul Broom Rabi Gunaratnam Richard Sherman

Hon. Solicitor Macpherson + Kelley 40 - 42 Scott Street Dandenong

Hon. Auditor Robinson Street Accounting Pty Ltd Incorporating R Harman & Associates 73 Robinson Street Dandenong Vic 3175

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Greater Dandenong Chamber of CommercePresident’s Report

It is my pleasure to report on the 2013/2014 year.

The Vision of the Chamber which is ‘To promote regional growth through leadership, support programs, civic involvement and networking’ continues to be relevant in today’s ever changing business landscape.

Our Vision and business plan provides focus and direction for the Chambers activities and sees us as a respected voice in the City of Greater Dandenong. Historically the Chamber’s core responsibility was to champion businesses which we have done exceptionally. Now we are also enabling better connectivity between businesses.

Our key objectives

To deliver on the following: • Premier Regional Business Awards Breakfasts throughout the year • Premier Regional Business Awards Gala Dinner • Grand Final Charity Luncheon • Networking Evenings • Christmas Carols by Candlelight

The Chamber continues to develop its range of services and ways of connecting with its members and again has provided opportunities for networking and business recognition. Our key functions during the year include the Awards breakfast series, the Premier Regional Business Awards Gala Dinner, the Grand Final Charity Lunch, our well supported Network sessions as well as the community Carols by Candlelight celebration.

Our team has done a fantastic job in improving our communication processes and driving for new members.Thishardworkhasseensignificantimprovementoverpreviousyears.Wehavebeenable to have solid attendances at functions and have very positive feedback from attendees. In saying this, we still have ample room for being better.

The Executive Team has continued to develop appropriate internal systems and is considering models of membership that might suite a broader range of business. You will agree, we have ‘continued to move with the times’ and this has proved to be a success with better results on the cards.

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On behalf of the Chamber I would like to thank all our members without whom each event held would not be a success, nor would the Chamber be able to function as successfully as it does:

Gough Transport SolutionsGrenda Group Pty LtdHallam Truck CentreHentin Foam IndustriesHilton Manufacturing (Aust) Pty LtdInternational Mowers Pty LtdJayco AustraliaLabour Resource ManagementLaser Imaging Pty LtdLe Pine Funeral ServicesLeader Newspaper GroupLeadership Management Australia – BroomLink Employment & TrainingM J C Partners Pty LtdMacpherson + Kelley Lawyers Pty LtdMartogg & CompanyMelbourne Racing Club (Sandown)Micro Plastics Pty LtdMinuteman PressMission AustraliaNitto Denko (Aust) P/LNon Executive Management Australasia Pty LtdOfficewayOfficeNationalOne SherpaOptions AustraliaPatterson Cheney Pty LtdPlaces Victoriapropertylinx pty.ltdRBS MORGANS LIMITEDRemarkabl Construction Pty LtdRJ Sanderson & AssociatesRMBL Investments LtdSalvation Army EmploymentSequoiaM’mentPtyLtdt/asRamadaEncoreHotelShisham ProductsSign A Rama DandenongSkillsPlus LtdSnap Printing - DandenongSouth East Local Learning & Employment Network Spa Electrics P/LStar News GroupValue Added Personnel Pty LtdVince & AssociatesWallara Australia LimitedWise EmploymentYusen logistics

A W Bell Pty LtdAccolades and MoreAdeccoAMF DandenongANZ Banking Group LtdAston Ryan MalcolmAussie DisposalsAustral Anglo Pty LtdAustralian Laboratory Services Pty LtdAxceda Pty LtdBartercard Melbourne EastBekaert (Australia) Pty LtdBeletti Restaurant Cafe BarBiz Power Business ConsultantsBombardier TransportationBreadwinner (Aust) Pty LtdBudget Car & Truck RentalsBusy Bookkeeping DandenongCareer Transitions AustraliaCharlwoods Pty LtdChisholm InstituteCincotta ConstructionsCity Edge Plumbing Pty LtdCity of Greater DandenongCommonwealth BankConnectEast Pty LtdCredit Union AustraliaCRSDandenong Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc.Dandenong Basketball AssocDandenong High SchoolDandenong MarketDandenong Neighbourhood House IncDandenong Plaza (The GPT Group)Dandenong TaxisDias Aluminium Products P/LExfoliators (Aust) Pty LtdFacey Industrial CommercialFairfax Community Newspapers Pty LtdFamily Mail HouseFletcher InsulationFort Knox DandenongFuji Fasteners Pty LtdGadens LawyersGordyn & Palmer Pty Ltd

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I would like to acknowledge the work and contribution of the Executive Committee and the associated sub committees. The leadership team comprises of a committed group of business people who have a genuine interest in seeing local business and the communities prosper. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of business leaders willing to contribute time and effort, all with a common goal of making a positive difference.

One of our key players during the year was Andrew Manhire who retired as our Treasurer during theyear.Andrewmadeasignificantcontributionduringourreshapingrebuildphaseanditwouldbe remiss of me not to mention his support during his time with us. However he ensured that we were covered into the future and we welcomed Caroline Atonio from Aston Ryan Malcolm as Treasurer into the Chamber. Caroline has continued the great work done by Andrew and continuestoprovidesignificantexpertiseandknowledge.

Iwould also like to acknowledge the significant support from theCity ofGreaterDandenongCouncil. This support ranges from provision of grants, to attendances at Chamber functions. We are very grateful for their continued support.

TheChamberhasagaingonethroughsignificantchangesin itsstructureandhowitconductsitsactivities.Unfortunatelywesaidgoodbye toJacquieBrownourExecutiveOfficer in2014.Jacquiemadeahugeimpactonthechamberandpavedthewayforsomeoftheimprovementsthat have come our way. She along with Laura Manhire did an amazing job for us.

Through our network connections we were able to welcome Amanda Checken as Executive Officerintothechamberfamily.

We are very fortunate to have this highly talented team working for the chamber and we are confidentinourfuture.

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Grand Final LuncheonWednesday 25 September 2013

We hosted two hundred guests at our Annual Grand Final Charity Lunch on Wednesday 25 September at the Sandhurst Club. Brad Scott, current coach of the North Melbourne Football Club, joined us as Guest Speaker and gave us some insight into the club, trade talks, being coached by Leigh Matthews and some very entertaining stories he has been involved with throughout his playing and coaching career.

Wemanagedtoraise$7000forMakeaWish.Inthefiveyearsthatwehavebeeninvolvedwiththis charity we have helped raise nearly $50,000, which has helped make twelve wishes come true. RoySanderson spentmanyhours,with theassistanceof JacquieBrownandLauraManhiresourcing a large variety of sporting and lifestyle auction items, which provided an array of items for guests to bid on. Thank you to all the business who donated items for the auction, and thank you to John Shore from Ray White Chelsea for once again taking up the role of MC and auctioneer.

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Premier Regional Business AwardsBreakfasts

The breakfast awards program is highly popular amongst members. Five breakfasts were held duringtheyearandfifteenbusinesseswereshowcasedalongwithanumberofyouthnomineesidentifiedforspecialrecognition.

JamesSturgesscontinues todoamagnificent job in thisareaandensures thisaspectof thechambers’ activities runs to plan.

Our guest speakers for 2013/14 were

1 May 2013 John Bennie CEO, City of Greater Dandenong Gary Castricum Chairman, Committee for Dandenong

12 June 2013 Brendan Rodoni Senior Research Scientist, Department of Primary Industry

7 August 2013 Rob Brooker Head of Australian Economics and Commodities National Australia Bank

9 October 2013 Graham Winters Practice Leader - Client Solutions Think One Team International

19 November 2013 Merv Hughes Former Australian Cricketer Selector for the Australian Cricket Team

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Premier Regional Business AwardsGala Dinner - Wednesday 12 March 2014

The Premier Regional Business Awards Gala Dinner was again held at the Sandown Greyhounds. We had the iconic Max Walker as our Guest Speaker. An outstanding sportsman and commentator he related his sports achievements to the business environment whilst entertaining the crowd.

The caliber of the nominees for the again was of the highest order and we congratulate all nominees. The night would not function as well as it does without the huge impact that James Sturgess makes to the event. The Gala Dinner committee can be well pleased with this year’s function.

Thiseventcontinuestobeoneofthehighlightsofourcalendaryearandreflectstheoutstandingachievement of the businesses within the South East Corridor Region.

Premier Regional Business AwardPatterson Cheney Cars and Trucks

Award sponsored by NAB

Category Award Company SponsorsCSR Award CHEP SITA Environment SolutionsInnovation Award Lupe Wines Hilton ManufacturingManufacturing Award Chobani Macpherson + Kelley LawyersEmployment Award CHEP Set SolutionsService Excellene Award Noisette Boulangerie Patisserie Dandenong JournalSmall Business Award Fineweld Steel Aston Ryan MalcolmRetail Award Patterson Cheney Cars and Trucks City of Greater DandenongYoung Enterprise Award James Simouis, GTES Chisholm InstituteNext Leaders Award Ginger Jones

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Carols by CandlelightCarols by Candlelight 2013 was again a successful event even if it was a bit cold. This event was well supported with over 1000 people coming out to light a candle, sing, meet Santa (on a firetruck)andcelebrateChristmas.GuestartistsincludedEmma-KateTobia,DandenongSings,Rebekah and Tom Parker anf The Great Christmas Gizmo who entertained the children. A special thank you to our MC on the night Justin Peters, who also performed.

Networking EveningsOur re-introduction of the casual networking evenings sometimes being sponsored by our Platinum members was a huge success. These events continue to gain popularity and are now being copied by others. This event allows genuine networking opportunities and allows the chamber to build our brand and gain new members

Finance

As mentioned Andrew Manhire retired as our Treasurer during the early part of 2014 however our new Treasurer Caroline Atonio continues to provide the Executive committee with regular monthlyreportsandexplanationsthatgiveusaclearpictureofourfinancialposition.ThisyeartheExecutivehasfocusedonachievingasetabettersetoffiguresandweareverypleasedwiththe results achieved this year.

The Future is nowThis is the time to ask “why” in most things and the role of a President is no different. This year saw the Presidents role change to allow for more delegation of some public activities which has been accepted well. I see no reason why this process should stop there.

This coming year will continue to offer challenge and change for the chamber, our members and the City of Greater Dandenong but it will also offer opportunity and possibilities.

Our aim is to ensure that the Chamber continues to be respected and highly regarded by others and we will continue to ensure that we are effective and professional in all that we do.

This past year has had many challenges and we should be very pleased that we have met the challenges and driven our way forward. We should be very proud of the year and excited by what the next year will bring.

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Greater Dandenong Chamber of CommerceList of Sponsors 2013-2014

Awards

Aston Ryam MalcolmChisholm InstituteCity of Greater DandenongDandenong JournalHilton ManufacturingMacpherson + Kelley LawyersNational Australia BankSet SolutionsSITA Environment Solutions

Grand Final LunchAdeccoAW BellDandenong JournalGrendaMacpherson + Kelley LawyersRJ Sanderson

Carols by CandlelightBank of MelbourneCity of Greater DandenongDandenong JournalHilton ManufacturingJayco

Greater Dandenong Chamber of CommerceSubcommittees

Carols by Candlelight

Peter HelmorePaul BroomIan McDonaldRichard ShermanJacquieBrownLaura Manhire

AwardsJames SturgessPaul WoodJacquieBrownLaura Manhire

MarketingPaul BroomRabi GunaratuanJacquieBrown

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Greater Dandenong Chamber of CommerceReg No A0023852L

Statement by Members of the Committee

Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 7435 Dandenong 3175

9794 88810488 012 494

greaterdandychamber@bigpond.comwww.greaterdandenongchamber.com.au