After 20 successful placements in September 2004, the VECCI MPs in Business Program^TM will continue this week for Liberal and National MPs.

Pioneered and run by VECCI, the Program will see five more non-Government MPs spend up to a full day with business hosts across the State during the next three weeks.

"The continuation of the next phase of the VECCI MPs in Business Program^TM provides a strong signal that Members of Parliament and the business community can work together to build the business capacity of the State", says VECCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neil Coulson.

"The Program's focus is on building an improved awareness among MPs of what businesses do, what their goals are, the challenges that lie ahead, and how they interact with Government

"This bipartisan Program represents a unique opportunity for Members of Parliament and business participants to exchange ideas and discuss issues and challenges facing the State's business community.

"It will give MPs first hand experience of the strategic and operational issues facing the Victorian business community and individual businesses will benefit from the Program by developing an appreciation of the wider and at times competing demands placed on MPs by a variety of constituents", says Mr Coulson.

Businesses from 'traditional' industries as well as `new economy' sectors are included in the Program.  Business hosts have been drawn from across Victoria, and include small, medium and large employers.

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VECCI Strategic Communications
Ph:      (03) 8662 5226
email: media@vecci.org.au