In the category GBC Entrepreneur 2014 Koba Oosthuizen, from Phapamani Internet & Training Centre, was named the winner.
The glittering event was attended by 120 glamorously dressed guests. An effusive Dr Willie Cilliers, chamber president, said in his address that the chamber plans to continue riding the crest of the wave by keeping continuing to make the organisation accessible to all. Dr Cilliers declared 2015 as the year of the entrepreneur for George in which all role-players, including the local authorities, will be called upon to work together to create jobs as this fundamentally remains the most challenging issue that needs to be addressed. The issue of unemployment and filling up the CBD of George again would be a top priority in the year to come. (The GBC was declared the AHI winner a fortnight ago).
As guest speaker, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde emphasised the importance of growing entrepreneurship as it is the ultimate employment creator.
Fanie Du Plessis, from the Afrikaanse Handels Instituut (AHI), announced the Instituut's intention to hold the 2015 conference in George. In accepting the winning trophy, Shaun Clark said he has been in business in George for 15 years and he has plans to further expand his thriving business. The atmosphere was enhanced with a huge, beautifully lit up candelabra and the lovely three singers of G-Minor - Gevanté Fisher, Alicia van Wyk and Chelsea Wales, from Mossel Bay. A delicious buffet dinner with wines sponsored by Distell rounded off a well-organised occasion.
Business Person of the Year
The runners-up in the Business Person of the Year category were: Michael du Plessis (Grow Green Organics) and Alida Maree (Wicam Accounting).
The finalists were: William Horner (Views Boutique Hotel & Spa); Wilma Rademan (Clickonit); Karen Dorfling (Link Business Brokers); Elna Schwartz (Avis Van Rental); Colin and Raquel Stephenson (Create Design); Devano Anderson (Unique Avcom); and Johan de Jager (Hetta's Foods).
GBC Entrepreneurs 2014
The runners-up in the GBD Entrepreneur 2014 category were: Vanessa Jacobs (Sow Delicious) and Helga Stassen (Glass Roots).
The finalists were: Myrtle Barnes-Sacuenda (Playtime Productions); Gloria Qumba (Sokumila Takeaways); Tyson Sharpe (Gourmet Sandwiches) and Gcobani Ntsendwa (Thembalethu Garden Services).
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Shaun Clark (second from right), from Outeniqua Refrigeration, was named Business Person 2014 on Friday at a gala dinner held by the George Business Chamber. He poses with his trophy alongside runner-up Michael du Plessis (right), from Grow Green Organics. From left: Dr Wilie Cilliers (GBC president) and Fanie van Rooyen (Nedbank Business Banking area manager).
At the George Business Chamber's gala dinner, a thrilled Koba Oosthuizen (centre), from Phapamani Internet & Training Centre, was named GBC Entrepreneur 2014.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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