November 23, 2015
Toowoomba Regional Council has accepted the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) board’s recommendation that retiring Chair John Wagner be replaced by former Chief Executive Officer Shane Charles.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Mr Wagner, who was the founding Chair of TSBE, was instrumental in developing the organisation into a robust force for economic growth in the region.
“John was the right person, in the right job, at the right time. He brought passion and determination about the region’s future to the role and always looked for the broader community benefit of TSBE’s very successful work,” he said.
“Since its establishment, TSBE has made a major contribution to job creation and long-term economic sustainability in this community, particularly in the area of small to medium business.
“We thank John sincerely for using his drive, enthusiasm and common sense to chart an exciting future for TSBE and the region more broadly, and for winning the confidence of the private sector to the point that they now provide 75 per cent of TSBE’s operating income.”
Mr Charles, who is taking over the reins as Chair, served as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, which has grown substantially since its establishment in 2012.
“TSBE has significant runs on the board, they have built remarkable capacity in our business community,” Mayor Antonio said.
“One only has to attend a TSBE Enterprise evening to see the number of attendees who are clearly benefiting from the organisation’s foresight.
“A prime example of their success is this region’s position as a national leader in food processing innovation through the establishment of Food Leaders Australia, and the support given to businesses to seize the opportunities available in Asia.
“The Toowoomba region is the envy of regional Australia, and I have no doubt TSBE’s strong voice to promote and nurture economic development for this community has played, and will continue to play, a major role in that feat.”
