Mike Barkley scoops Businessperson 2018
Business leaders were recognised by the George Business Chamber for the important role they play in the local economy and job creation.
Michael Barkley of Barkley Oates Inc was named the George Business Chamber Businessperson for 2018 at a gala event that took place at the Oakhurst Insurance George Arts Theatre.
André and Tanya Prins of Root Coffee Roasters were named Entrepreneurs 2018 and Denise Lindley the Women Change Agent. The manager of the George Airport and vice-chairperson of the George Business Chamber, Brenda Vorster, was the first person to receive the newly created Chairperson award.
Barkley told the George Herald his reason for success is God. "If you put God first, everything else will fall into place." The company employs 17 people and provides orthotist and prosthetist services. Vorster said she felt honoured to be the first recipient of the Chairpersons award, but emphasised it was a team effort that made it possible. She said it is good to be recognised as it shows businesses that hard work pays off.
Dr Dennis Farrel, chairperson of the George Business Chamber, said he is impressed with the calibre of the nominated candidates and the chamber is looking forward to working with the winners and learning from them. Roland Chapman, business manager of Nedbank George, said acknowledging the business community is a good thing as businesses create jobs, enabling money to be ploughed back into George, thus stimulating the local economy. He said everybody, the nominated and also those that were not nominated, are winners.
Dr Willie Cilliers, chairperson of the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHi) Western Cape, said role models are needed for upcoming businesses. The economy of George is held together by small businesses and if small businesses grow, it helps stimulate the economy.