By Candice Boyle
TWO established Melbourne names are providing incentives to foster business growth in the West.
Victoria University and Grinders Coffee have again pledged support to the annual Greater Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GWCCI) Business Awards that will be held at the Telstra Dome Medallion Room later this year.
As the gold and silver sponsors of the event, Victoria University and Grinders Coffee are encouraging residents, businesses and employers to take the opportunity to recognise people who stand out in business.
The event aims to reward businesses and the people behind the businesses who continue to make a difference and stand out in the City of Maribynong and throughout the West.
Professor John Breen from Victoria University Faculty of Business and Law said being involved in the awards was an important part of the faculty’s strategic plan.
“It is a direct way for us to be involved in local business and make a contribution to the west,” he said.
The faculty’s decision to support the prestigious awards again is a result of the strong connection between the faculty and the chamber and Professor Breen’s commitment as one of the judges of the event.
“It is a very well organised activity and opportunity for local businesses to see us as a player in the business world,” Professor Breen said.
The Faculty of Business and Law in Footscray is one of the largest business schools in Australia and covers the entire range of business education, research and consultancies.
Professor Colin Clark, the executive dean of the faculty, said that the faculty, like the objectives of the awards, played a vital role in networking services in the West to foster viable local enterprises, both in their start-up and running phases.
Professor Breen said that the awards process offers businesses the opportunity to take a strategic look at the way that their business operated.
“There are significant benefits for businesses just in entering.
“The marketing opportunities and positive impacts are positive and empowering,” he said.
Silver sponsor Grinders Coffee representative Peter Kotoulas said the awards were also an essential part of the company’s marketing strategy.
“It is a way for us to get more involved in the community while raising an awareness of coffee,” he said.
Last year, Grinders Coffee sponsored the best cafe award and because of the success of the awards have agreed to sponsor the category again.
“It was a good investment and we have now signed up our brand with last year’s winners,” he said.
Mr Kotoulas said the company is pleased to be able to make an investment in the success of the awards.
“It is a fun evening, we encourage residents to be involved with initiatives that raise awareness of local business,” he said.
Entries for the awards open on Monday 4 June and entry forms are available on the GWCCI website at www.gwcci.com.au.
