Changing of the guard at Frankston Business Network

Frankly Frankston Magazine’s Kate Sears speaks to Frankston Business Network’s Karin Hann to congratulate her on retiring after 10 years. We also introduce you to Mary Tresize-Brown, who will be taking over the role of FBN’s executive officer.

KARIN:

How did you come to be at FBN?
When I retired from my job at the CBA I was asked if I wanted to take on the job of executive officer of the Frankston Business Chamber, which has now become the FBN. This was only to be a 12-hour-a-week position, which has certainly grown since October 2007.

What in your opinion makes FBN so great?
It is our members that make the FBN what it is today. They are all very supportive of each other and what the FBN is trying to achieve for them whether that is through advocacy or just listening to them and helping them work through problems.

Could you give us a brief history of your career?
I worked for the CBA for 40 years. This was mainly in branches, but I also worked on major projects in Sydney over a number of years, and retired as a senior manager.

Where and what did you study?
I completed high school at Mornington High, and then went to Melbourne University, but only for six months as I wanted a break from studying, and decided to work in the bank for a short time before I decided what I really wanted to do. That short time ended up being 40 years. I also studied accountancy at Chisholm in Moorabbin.

What was your most rewarding experience?
In my role as the executive officer it has been very rewarding to see local businesses grow over the years.

What will you miss about your role?
The people. I will also miss Allison, who has been a constant with me for the past 10 years at the FBN. I have made amazing friends.

What’s next? What are you looking forward to the most in your retirement?
A lot more travel without time constraints. I have three grandchildren and I am looking forward to spending more time with them. I am also very involved with Dress for Success Mornington Peninsula and will be assisting them grow to help more women to get into the workforce.

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Anything to add?
I just want to thank everyone who has been part of the FBN over the 10 years for making my job so enjoyable. It has been fun coming to work every morning.
 


MARY:

How did you come to be at FBN?
The position was advertised and caught my interest. My background and skills seemed a really good fit so I applied, met with the board and was offered the role. I’m very happy to be here.

What in your opinion makes FBN so great?
Business networking is a highly valuable way to expand knowledge about other local business and business sectors, tell others about your business, attract new clients/customers and learn from the success of others. The FBN offers members great ways of doing this and there’s no limit, really, to ideas and initiatives that keep growing business in Frankston.

Could you give us a brief history of your career?
My background is in learning and development, project management, people management, career development and organisational development. A large chunk of my working life has been in Frankston with Monash University, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Chisholm Institute and Mornington Peninsula & District Water Board (now South-East Water). In my secondary school days I was a student at Chisholm when it was a technical college and I had part-time jobs in the retail sector of Bayside Shopping Centre.

What do you most look forward to in this role?
Building good relationships with the numerous sectors in the Greater Frankston region and creating innovative, effective partnerships for the good of business that enhances the lives of residents in Frankston and visitors to the region.

What’s on the cards for FBN this year?
The monthly Networking Nights, two fabulous Women Connect luncheons, a business expo and four social nights that will give members time to catch up with each other in an informal way. We keep members updated with a fortnightly newsletter and we’ll be adding some new sections to this - for example, the different venues on offer by FBN members. Our social media has been ramped up to include Instagram (find us at fbnfrankston), LinkedIn and Twitter. It’s an exciting time!

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Anything else to add?
I’ve been meeting with FBN community partners, partners and members to learn about their business and how FBN can support their business goals. The FBN is one of the best ways to keep connected to the business community of the Greater Frankston region and build your business, so contact me if you’d like to meet and work together.