By Geoff Adams
One of Shepparton’s top business leaders, John Anderson, has been honoured as a Life Member of the Greater Shepparton Business Network, after many years of service to the Network and its former entity, the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Mr Anderson received the award as he retired as president of the organisation for the past five years.
“Shepparton and the wider Goulburn Valley community has been fortunate having John at the head of the Chamber and more recently Greater Shepparton Business Network,” GSBN board member Geoff Adams told the recent annual general meeting.
“A tireless campaigner for local enterprise, John hit the ground running when joining the Chamber board at a challenging time.
“John’s modus operandi is always to ensure the job is done well and diplomatically,” Mr Adams said.
“He focussed his leadership skills on many challenges, such as the Maude Street revitalisation project, which successfully lobbied governments at all levels to open the Maude Street Mall to slow moving traffic in the heart of Shepparton.
“It took a huge effort by the GSBN / Chamber over many years to convince Greater Shepparton City Council that the Mall project was critical to the success of the CBD,” Mr Adams said.
“John helped drive this important CBD upgrade with Wendy Crow and myself, activating councillors and local politicians such as the then local Federal Member, Damian Drum, who was at the forefront of securing funding.
“John was also instrumental in forming the Parking Committee with Greater Shepparton City Council, chairing it to this day… and we all know how successful this has been for Shepparton’s CBD businesses.
“He has been behind numerous other GSBN projects over the years and only last week addressed the crucial Water Rally in Shepparton.
“He is a doer, a person who has led from the front from day one on the Greater Shepparton Business Network / Chamber board,” Mr Adams said.
“He has also been excellent at identifying new community talent to join the board, which as we know, is vital.
“John developed a strong rapport with Council, building relationships with the mayors of the day, councillors and senior managers.
“A clear thinker, he steps down as president leaving Greater Shepparton Business Network in good shape and with a solid succession plan.
“One of the city’s top community leaders, John and his wife Agata are synonymous with Shepparton, having been involved with many organisations over many years and having run a very successful pharmacy before retiring.
“Honourable, intelligent, determined, genuine, and above all being humble are just a few words that describe John,” said Mr Adams.
Local businessman, Stephen Schneider was elected president of Greater Shepparton Business Network at last week’s Greater Shepparton Business Network’s AGM.
