Vithoulkas joins SMEAA board

 

 

SME Association of Australia (SMEAA) chairman Craig West has announced the appointment of award winning business owner, broadcaster and City of Sydney Councillor Angela Vithoulkas to the association’s recently restructured board as a director.

Since the new look board was established under the chairmanship of Craig West in late February, it has moved quickly to implement a number of key strategic initiatives and programs that will position SMEAA as the peak body and leading voice of SMEs in Australia.

Mr West said ensuring the board had a comprehensive balance of skills and expertise – “but most importantly was comprised of small business owners with personal experience and affinity with the SME sector” – was a primary goal for the group.

Welcoming Cr Vithoulkas to the association board, Mr West acknowledged her extensive contribution to the small business sector over many years which, has been recognised through numerous prestigious awards and accolades.

“Angela Vithoulkas has built a successful career as a small business owner, entrepreneur and key note speaker,” Mr West said. “ In September 2012, she was elected to the City of Sydney Council and is recognised for managing an inner city business group Vivo Cafe’, including the establishment of Australia’s first online radio station, Eagle Waves Radio aimed at small business.

“In addition, Angela’s contribution to business has been recognised by her many awards that include the City of Sydney Business of the Year and NSW Entrepreneur of the Year, as well as 2007 Telstra Women’s Business Owner of the Year.”

Angela Vithoulkas said in response to the appointment, “This is a truly exciting time for the SMEAA and I am proud to be part of such an energetic and dedicated board, committed to supporting and acknowledging the efforts and contribution the sector provides the Australian economy.”

Mr West said the SMEAA was established in late 2011 to represent the vast number of SMEs throughout the country to government, large businesses and the Australian public.

Today, he said, the peak body was the leading voice of Australia’s SMEs with over 18,500 members and is committed to its vital role representing Australia’s small business sector.

Mr West said the SMEAA board’s next priority was the launch of an online survey to gather feedback, comments and opinions from the Australian SME community as the results will provide the board a solid view of the primary concerns, issues and ideas that can then be relayed to government on behalf of the Association and its members.

Mr West also confirmed that the appointment of SMEAA’s new CEO would be announced in the coming week.

www.smeaustralia.asn.au

 

 

 

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