Celebrating 100 years

The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 100 years of history entwined with the history of Parramatta; 100 years of growth and development with a cradle city; 100 years of the growth and development of the Greater West.

The Chamber will celebrate this century of Western Sydney achievement in the best way; by expanding the Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence even more, to cover more and more of this economic powerhouse.

With the financial and spirited backing of state government and other sponsors the Awards will be starting earlier this year with a first quarter launch planned. More exposure opportunities for sponsors and more time to organise events in key locations outside of Parramatta. This greater reach is also intended to embrace an increased number of entrants and from a wider variety of industries, building on last year's record number of entries.

This year the Chamber's magazine, Parramatta Business Access, becomes a monthly publication, thanks to the continued support of sponsors and the readership. With so much happening in this vibrant cosmopolitan metropolis a monthly magazine is certainly warranted and is more beneficial to contributors and advertisers.

Of course, the popular monthly Business after 5 events will continue. Last year these attracted amazing attendances, becoming the networking event of choice for government and business in Parramatta. The final event last year, traditionally dedicated to thanking sponsors and supporters for their contributions to a successful Chamber year, was held at the refurbished Parramatta RSL Club and attracted a record attendance.

100 years is a proud achievement for any organisation or business but it doesn't signify the job is over. This year, as always, there is much to be done in and for the business community and this Chamber will continue the vital role it has played over its first century. In the scheme of things 100 years is only a milestone along the way - the beginning of the next 100 years.