Celebrating our local businesses

Some five local business owners were celebrated last month at the 10th annual Lord Mayor’s Commendations ceremony.

The annual awards recognise longevity of small businesses within the Melbourne municipality and honours their contribution to the city’s economy and culture.

Kerry and Neil York of N.R. York Plumbing, based in Victoria Harbour, both received a silver commendation recognising more than 25 years operating in Melbourne.

John Scardamaglia of Berth Restaurant and Bar, Daniel Rocco Tenaglia of Esprit Hair and Chan Uoy of Bopha Devi each received a bronze commendation recognising 10 or more years of operating within Melbourne.

This year, 64 independent small business owners and one generational family business received a commendation.

According to Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, Melbourne now hosts 13,000 small businesses, which employ around 75,000 people.

“This year we recognise a wide variety of recipients including a purveyor of wigs and hairpieces in the central city and coffee and tea merchant at Queen Victoria Market to name just a few,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Small businesses underpin our dynamic local economy, they make Melbourne unique and are key to our city’s future prosperity.”

Melbourne councillor Beverley Pinder-Mortimer said the variety of small businesses in Melbourne made the city vibrant and dynamic.

“The Lord Mayor’s Commendations are a way to recognise the importance of Melbourne’s small businesses and the unwavering dedication of our city’s small businesses proprietors.”

This year’s recipients join alumni of more than 490 business proprietors and 17 family businesses that have received commendations since the program began in 2005.