Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes encourages people to either nominate or enter the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
Dr Sykes said, “We have some impressive businesswomen in the Benalla Electorate.
“Inspirational women are all around us such as Janelle Boynton who was a recent finalist for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Award as part of the Rural Women’s Awards and Loretta Carroll who is a successful recipient of the Victorian Women’s Governance Scholarship program, to name but two.
“In the 18 years the Telstra Business Women’s Awards have been running thousands of women from a diverse range of professions and walks of life have been recognised through the awards and gone on to be mentors to others in the attainment of their life goals,” Dr Sykes said.
The Awards are an opportunity to reward inspirational business women throughout north east Victoria who have had a positive impact on the local community.
Finalist and winners will be recognised for their achievements and share in more than $200,000 in cash and prizes.
The three categories in the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards are:
• Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award
• Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award; and
• White Pages Community and Government Award.
There are also two specialist categories: Nokia Business Innovation Award and marie Claire Young Business Womens’ Award.
To nominate or enter complete the form available at www.womensawards.com or pick up a nomination form from Bill Sykes’ office at 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla.
The Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Awards Gala will be held on 20 September 2012.

The Victorian Government is supporting economic development in Benalla Rural City with funding of $75,000 announced today by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes requested funding support for the appointment of a business development officer in Parliament this week.
Dr Sykes said Benalla Rural City Council would use the funding to employ a Business Development Officer to work within the council’s Economic Development unit over the next two years to help develop and strengthen local businesses.
“Benalla’s Economic Development Unit is not fully equipped to deal with the range of issues and opportunities and its budget does not currently allow for the appointment of an additional full-time resource,” Dr Sykes said.
“As a result, the council cannot fully capitalize and deliver on a range of initiatives that could drive economic development activity.”
Dr Sykes said, “I am pleased that the Minister has provided this funding so that Benalla has the resources to encourage existing businesses to grow and create more jobs and also to attract new businesses to the area.”
He said, “The Business Development Officer is a great acquisition. They could support the existing efforts of people such as CEO Tony McIIroy, Jeanie Hall, Justin Finlayson, Veronica Schilling and all of the staff at Benalla Rural City Council and the broader community.
“I should make the point that our community is not just sitting back and asking for help. This month we have a program in place called 31 Jobs in 31 Days. That is about encouraging local businesses to create 31 jobs in our area, and it also about encouraging young people and job seekers to enhance their skills through such means as conducting mock interviews and developing their CV’s.”
Mr Ryan said, “Engaging a Business Development Officer will enhance the capability of the council to deliver better economic development outcomes.
“The officer will enable Benalla Rural City to attract investment, retain existing business and undertake promotional activities to grow the municipality.
“Tourism is a major sector that this project could capitalise on, with the Winton Wetlands project gathering momentum.”
Mr Ryan said employing the officer would also help the council conduct a Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Program and implement the findings to assist local business operators.
“The officer will help develop closer relationships with education providers to support business training and skills development,” Mr Ryan said.
“They will also deliver support to the Benalla Business Network and represent the Council in regional workforce development initiatives.”
He said the two-year appointment of the officer was expected to take effect from May 2012.

Small businesses in the Bright area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on financial management thanks to a forthcoming seminar announced today by Member for Benalla Bill Sykes.
Dr Sykes said the Budgeting and Forecasting seminar, supported by the Coalition Government, would be held at Alpine Shire Council Chambers at 6pm on Wednesday 18 April.
Dr Sykes said, “Businesses in and around Bright have proven their resilience and determination time and time again, in recovering from the impact of fire, drought and flood and the impact of the global financial crisis on the local economy.
“That said small business needs all the support it can get and these seminars provide a great opportunity for small businesses to either refresh themselves or up-skill on financial management practices.”
Last year more than 3,000 businesses throughout the state participated in Small Business Victoria’s workshops and seminars. Through the program, businesses and prospective business owners are provided with the facts and advice needed to make informed decisions and create a platform for ongoing success.
Popular topics in the program include starting up, financial management, employing people and marketing.
All workshops and seminars are delivered by private sector business specialists who are well-qualified and experienced in small business.
Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher said the Coalition Government recognised the vital role Victoria’s 495,000 small businesses played in the economy of the state.
“We are committed to encouraging small business and individual initiative, and to creating an environment that rewards those who work hard, save, invest and create employment,” Ms Asher said.
For more information about other workshops and seminars that are available please go to: www.business.vic.gov.au/businessevents

Local traders are set to benefit from a Liberal Nationals Coalition Government commitment to enable all Victorian businesses to trade on Easter Sunday.
Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today said all businesses throughout North East Victoria will now be able to take advantage of high tourist numbers during the busy Easter period, especially those in regional areas.
The Shop Trading Reform Amendment (Easter Sunday) Bill 2011 was introduced into Parliament on Wednesday 9 February to remove trading restrictions that prohibit some shops, but not others, from trading on Easter Sunday.
Dr Sykes said, “I have in the past assisted several businesses throughout my Electorate on this very issue, including several in key tourist destinations such as Bright and Mansfield.
“The Liberal Nationals Coalition Government has moved quickly to end the nonsensical and confusing situation created by the previous Labor Government whereby a business with fewer than 20 employees, such as a milk bar, was allowed to open, while a large department or variety store must remain closed.
“This State Government is committed to providing freedom of choice for Victorian businesses,” Dr Sykes said.
“Any business that wishes to trade on Easter Sunday will now be legally able to do so and that business itself will make that choice, not the government.
“This change provides absolute clarity and certainty for businesses and positions Victoria to generate millions of dollars in revenue from increased tourism and retail activity.
Dr Sykes said, “Businesses throughout North East Victoria have been hit hard over the summer months with a decline in tourist numbers due to multiple flood events.
“These people deserve every opportunity to recover and they will now be able to capitalise on the influx of holidaymakers at this busy time of year and to help to ensure Victoria is a tourist destination that meets international expectations.”
The Easter Sunday trading ban was introduced by the former Labor Government as part of its industrial relations policy in 2003 and has cost tens of millions of dollars in lost sales for businesses each year.
Prior to the trading ban in 2003 any retail business, regardless of employee numbers, was able to trade on Easter Sunday.
Christmas Day, Good Friday and the morning of ANZAC Day will remain non-trading days.