Just like the businesses it represents, Geelong Chamber of Commerce has kept a positive focus during the pandemic, despite the many real challenges faced on all sides.
As testament to this, the go-ahead organisation’s annual Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEA) this year tackle COVID-19 head-on by staging a free virtual event that everyone’s welcome to join and watch it all unfold.
Believed to be the only business awards event in Victoria this year, GBEA has already announced finalists, with the winners revealed from 7pm on October 15.
Ben Flynn, chief executive of Geelong Chamber of Commerce, is chuffed with the number of entries received from outstanding local businesses.
“It’s terrific that we’ve received so many entries this year, which is quite an achievement given we’re in the middle of a pandemic and facing an unprecedented economic downturn,” Mr Flynn says.
“The purpose of the GBEA remains the same, pandemic or not. We’re about creating a platform to shine the spotlight on our clever, creative and resilient Geelong businesses and business leaders.”
To view finalists or for more information, go to www.gbea.com.au/news
BUSINESS MENTORING PROGRAM
Geelong Chamber of Commerce has another reason to be excited and upbeat about the future.
In partnership with the Victorian government and City of Greater Geelong, it has introduced its new mentoring program.
It has been designed to give the business community an exciting mix of opportunities to connect and engage with experienced mentors and other business people – including the winners of GBEA.
Mr Flynn, agreeing with other Chamber members, believes this is a great time to establish such a program.
“The mentoring approach can offer real assistance to business people as they navigate their way through the crisis,” he says. “Programs focus on building capacity as well as connecting participants with other great people.
“The health and wellbeing of our business community is driving our response and we believe there’s no better way to connect than through mentoring.”
www.geelongchamber.com.au/mentoring/
