We are thrilled to see that Eleni Petinos MP acknowledged the establishment of the Sutherland Shire Business in a speech to the NSW Parliament on 15 August 2018 that is now recorded in Hansard. We very much appreciate Eleni’s ongoing support as we actively promote business activity and employment in our local area.
Ms Petinos, who has provided ongoing support and encouragement to the business chamber for many years, said the following:
I was honoured to attend the recent launch held on 31 July, and was impressed by the array of industries and businesses that came together to celebrate its inauguration. The packed room reaffirmed the important role that businesses play in creating jobs in local communities, driving revenue growth and facilitating investment. The chamber will enable a more efficient and effective way of dealing with the many economic and social issues that impact the entire Sutherland Shire region. Inaugural President Joanne Ryan said that the chamber needs to better market the shire as a place to do business, as well as to attract and to retain talent. With more than half of Sutherland Shire workers leaving the area each day for work, creating local job opportunities is a key priority.
The Chamber’s vision is to boost the Shire higher on the liveability index, to promote local business diversity and to drive economic growth in three key areas: the medical precinct, tourism and local jobs. I acknowledge and congratulate the new executive team on being an integral part of leading the chamber in a new direction: President Joanne Ryan, Vice-President Michael Zacharia; Treasurer Brendan Lucas; Secretary Mark Hooper; and committee members Hima Gupta, Karen Johnston, Simon Read, David Querzoli, Louise Greenup, and Paul Sheaffe.