VECCI has appointed a new regional manager in Victoria’s Gippsland and South East region, Mr Peter Butler.

 

“This new appointment will drive member service in locations such as the Latrobe Valley, Sale, Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Warragul, Drouin, Leongatha, Korumburra, Wonthaggi and Phillip Island, as well as other locations in South East Victoria”, says VECCI Chief Executive Officer, Neil Coulson.

 

“South East Victoria is a key part of VECCI’s regional network and Peter’s appointment to this new role signals a continued commitment by VECCI to regional members and to the broader business community, particularly when other bodies are pulling out of the regions.

 

“This appointment comes at a time when VECCI has pushed successfully for members ahead of the May State and Federal Budgets on issues such as reducing business taxation and WorkCover premiums, skills development and infrastructure projects - improvements important to regional businesses that we have been lobbying tirelessly for since the 2002 State Election

campaign.

 

“Peter has worked as a sales representative, spending twelve years working predominately in sales, sales/branch management and senior management roles in businesses such as Brambles, Drake Personnel and Forstaff.

 

“Peter also ran his own small business as a labour hire consultant while also providing support to a family business involved in domestic and commercial property maintenance at the same time.

 

“Having experienced business life in both large and small business environments, Peter identified that these transferable skills could be of great benefit to an employer group.  Since joining VECCI in 1999, Peter has continually utilised his past experiences to assist employers navigate and resolve a range of employment and business issues.

 

“Peter’s responsibilities will see him consolidate and grow both the reputation and membership base of VECCI within the region.

 

“Peter’s family have had ties to the Gippsland Region for over 50 years, and he believes that the Gippsland Region is an integral part of Victoria`s economy from both a business and tourism perspective.

 

“His aim is to highlight and strengthen VECCI`s role in the region and build on Gippsland's positive attributes such as its diversity of people, business capability and natural attractions.

 

“Peter will take up his position on 18 July 2005 and will relocate to Traralgon by early August.

 

“VECCI believes that strong infrastructure investment by State and Federal Governments is fundamental to the ongoing success of the business sector and the wider Gippsland economy.

 

“Peter and I look forward to helping Gippsland region businesses meet the challenges presented over the next financial year and beyond”, says Mr Coulson.