By Jena Carr
It was a night of laughter and reminiscing as the Geelong Chamber of Commerce celebrated 170 years.
Close to 400 people gathered at The Pier on Thursday, June 8, from 5.30pm to reflect on the chamber’s history of supporting local businesses.
Chief executive Jeremy Crawford said it was “fantastic reconnecting” with people and getting to know new faces at the event, which looked to host as many people as possible.
“When planning this event, it was incredibly important for us to provide a platform and a celebration,” he said.
“The board of the organisation supported the fact that we couldn’t lose sight of how we bring our business communities together.”
President Dr John Stekelenburg said that “in adversity, there’s always opportunities”, and the event was an exciting time to look at how the chamber was helping drive change in the community.
“I’m really optimistic. I look forward to the future and I also look forward to the future of the chamber,” he said.
“It’s important that we provide events such as this, to showcase our vibrant and rich business community and to continue being the connection point of business in Geelong.”
Corangamite MP Libby Coker said the number of people that came to the event showed the chamber’s strength in being the “region’s voice for business and industry”.
“The advocacy of this organisation has been one that has made sure that this region has grown and will continue to grow,” she said.
“It has brought together industry, workers and all levels of government to achieve job growth, innovative manufacturing and a vibrant small business community.
“I look forward to the Small Business Festival coming out later this year as the chamber leads this event for the first time in its history.”
The anniversary event featured supplied food and drinks, music by Piano Bar’s Andy Pobjoy and a video detailing the chamber’s history from 1853 to now.
There was also a panel discussion from the current chamber president Dr Stekelenburg and former presidents, Norm Lyons (2000-2001) and Kylie Warne (2013-2018).