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GEORGE BUSINESS NEWS - A local farmer has scooped the George Business Chamber (GBC) Business Person of 2019 award at a gala dinner on Friday evening, 25 October. Nelius van Greunen of Van Greunen Boerdery took top honours at the awards evening held to honour the cream of the crop of local businessmen and women.
The event took place at Bygracealone in Sinksabrug and was attended by more than 100 people. The guests included several business and community leaders.
The keynote speaker was David Maynier, minister of finance and economic opportunities in the Western Cape government, while Melvin Naik, the mayor of George, also attended the event.
Absa was the main sponsor and George Herald the media sponsor. A new road safety initiative was announced at the event that will see George Herald, the business community and different spheres of government involved to ensure safer roads in George. Apart from Van Greunen's award as Business Person 2019, Maryna de Vries of Life Community was named Woman Change Agent in Business 2019.
Guests enjoyed the George Business Chamber's Gala Dinner at Bygracealone. Photo: Dean Venter Peak Media
The GBC Entrepreneur 2019 is Henk Botma of Connectnology. Monique Best received the Youth Ambassador 2019 award and Eric Philpott of Digifusion received the coveted Chairman's Award 2019.
In his welcoming address Dr Dennis Farrell, chairperson of the George Business Chamber, said the role businesspeople play in a community's success is extremely important.
He stressed that all the contestants are winners - each in his and her own right. They all make a contribution to the economy.
Nelius van Greunen (second from left) was named Business Person 2019. On his left is Servaas de Kock, George Herald sales and marketing director. On his right are Lizette da Silva, George Herald editor and Ilse Schoonraad, Group Editors managing editor. Photo: Eugene Gunning
The important role of entrepreneurs was highlighted by John Tshabalala of Absa. He said entrepreneurs make a country what it is. Successful countries are where entrepreneurs are allowed to flourish.
Referring to the popularity of the Garden Route he said about 30 families move to the area every month.
In his keynote address Maynier said he will be working hard to build strong partnerships with the private sector and associations representing the private sector, such as the business leaders present.
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Although the Western Cape government has done more than any other province over the past 10 years to promote economic growth and to create jobs in the province, there are severe economic challenges.
He warned that South Africa's economy is in deep trouble. What South Africa urgently needs, is an economic growth and recovery plan.
Maynier invited the business leaders to work with him in facing the challenges.
Monique Best received the Youth Ambassador 2019 award. Photo: Eugene Gunning
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