Frankston Business Collective to support thriving local economy
Published on 27 July 2022
Mayor Nathan Conroy has joined business representatives to launch the new Frankston Business Collective.
The Mayor said the Frankston Business Collective will provide an important new voice for business and industry in Frankston, adding: “Council has supported the establishment of a new Frankston business chamber to support a thriving local economy and to elevate Frankston City’s identity as an innovation hub and business friendly city.
“It’s about building capacity independent of Council to ensure the needs of business and industry are represented. The Frankston Business Collective will be built for the business community, by the business community with a focus on advocacy, connection and education.
“I warmly welcome the new Board representing a range of industries and experiences, ably led by retail and business industry stalwart, Jeff Rogut.
“I’m excited for what the future holds and look forward to hearing about the Collective’s plans for networking events including a business summit and business awards in 2023,” Mayor Conroy said.
The Mayor paid tribute to Deputy Mayor Suzette Tayler for her perseverance in establishing the new Collective, adding it will play an important role assisting and guiding younger businesses as they embark on their start-ups.
The Mayor attended the launch at Frankston Arts Centre with approximately 160 business representatives and Frankston Business Collective Chief Executive Jeff Rogut and Board members. Councillors David Asker, Brad Hill, Sue Baker and Claire Harvey attended along with Council CEO Phil Cantillon, Director Customer, Innovation and Arts Shweta Babbar, Director Communities Angela Hughes and Manager Community Relations, Fiona McQueen.
Council CEO Phil Cantillon said: “As part of the Four Year Council Plan for Frankston we set an objective for 2021/22 to re-establish a Frankston Business and Industry Council.
“This initiative has been fully embraced and supported by Council and we encourage all businesses large and small to actively engage with the new Frankston Business Collective,” Mr Cantillon said.
Frankston business coach and mentor, Therese O’Neill, who attended the launch, said: “The great thing about getting out and mixing with your local community, like the new Frankston Business Collective, is that all the business, all of the sales, connections, people and resources you will ever need in business can be found in your local community – go Frankston Business Collective!”
The new Frankston Business Collective Board includes Chair Bernd Neubauer, Vice Chair Joyie Wood, Treasurer Mike Cusack, CEO Jeff Rogut, Joanna Baker, Bernadine Geary, David Friend and James Eling.
Frankston Business Collective offers four levels of membership including a major sponsorship option.
Essential – for individuals, micro businesses, sole traders and small business employing 2 to 10 employees.
Enterprise – for businesses employing 11 - 50 employees.
Executive – for large businesses employing 51 plus employees.
Strategic Partner – major sponsor.
To find out more information about membership, sponsorship options and how to get involved, please email jeff.rogut@frankston.vic.gov.au
Previous Media Release: https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Media-and-Publications/Latest-News/Media-Releases-2022/New-Frankston-Business-Collective-launched-with-support-from-Council