ALMOST 130 people attended Portarlington Business Development Association\u2019s most recent AGM and function held at Jack Rabbit Vineyard.
\nTwo new members joined the executive – Rick Edmanson and Richard Underwood \u2013 and the membership total tallied 162 for the 18\/19 year, which is a record number.
\nPBDA president John Rae asked attendees what was the most exciting business that opened in the past year and the answer was Daniel\u2019s Donuts.
\n\u201cDaniel and Laura from Daniel\u2019s Donuts then spoke about their journey that had seen the growth of the company and the arrival at Portarlington,\u201d Mr Rae said.
\n\u201cThe business has been very successful, and they highlighted the number of jobs they had created.\u201d
\nMr Rae said Shae Hunt from the Bendigo Bank was moving to a new position, so the association took the opportunity to present her with French Champagne, as she had been a wonderful supporter of the PBDA, and they had built a terrific relationship with the bank.
\n\u201cThe 2018 PBDA community award was awarded to Stephen Love, the President of the Portarlington-Drysdale Lions, who then shared what the Lions do and the funds that are raised and spent within our communities,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cThey do an amazing amount of work and this is a very well-deserved award.\u201d
\nMr Rae said the Christmas Gift program, which last year assisted 13 families have a good Christmas, was further enhanced with two additional businesses joining the program for 2019.
\nHe said Linda Shaw, president of the Portarlington football club, spoke about the club\u2019s current situation and what plans were in place going forward.
\n\u201cThe PBDA will be involved in a much closer relationship with the football club as it is vital that the youth in Portarlington have a sporting home and it is clearly the football, netball and cricket clubs.\u201d
\nBut Mr Rae said the buzz in the room was \u201cwhat is going on with the Grand?\u201d.
\n\u201cOur guest presenter Darryn Lyons entertained and informed the audience of what will occur,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cArt will be a focal point in the hotel, a cocktail bar and the initial item to be completed will be a sports bar.
\n\u201cWe thank the new licensees, Bill Votsaris, Darryn Lyons and Mario Gregorio, for their investment in Portarlington.
\n\u201cIt will be fantastic to watch and experience the changes as they occur and The Grand will become just that, Grand.\u201d
\nMr Rae said Lyndsay and David Sharp once again put on a perfect evening with beautiful food and wine, spectacular views and fantastic service from all the staff at the Jack Rabbit restaurant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ALMOST 130 people attended Portarlington Business Development Association\u2019s most recent AGM and function held at Jack Rabbit Vineyard. Two new members joined the executive – Rick Edmanson and Richard Underwood \u2013 and the membership total tallied 162 for the 18\/19 year, which is a record number. PBDA president John Rae asked attendees what was the […]<\/p>\n