90 SECOND STATEMENT- SMALL BUSINESS IN BONNER – PET CITY
Last Saturday I attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of Pet City in Mt Gravatt. This is an amazing feat for an independent, family-owned store. I’d like to speak today about the dedicated people who’ve made this milestone possible, their contribution to the wider community, and other small business news in my electorate.
Pet City was opened by Evio Contenati as Mt Gravatt Produce Agency in 1957. By the early 1970s the business had evolved to better meet the needs of pet owners, and the name Pet City was adopted. Today it’s a local business icon in the Mt Gravatt community and a multi-award winner in the pet industry.
The current store owner and Evio’s daughter, Kim Peries, has done an outstanding job building Pet City up. Under her guidance Pet City has partnered with local schools, respite centres and charities such as Rotary. Kim is also the Vice President of Southside Chamber of Commerce, which provides support and networking opportunities for local businesses.
I’m proud to support Southside Chamber of Commerce’s work helping small businesses in the area grow. Their new President, Kathleen Lewis has kindly agreed to partner with me on an upcoming Q&A I’m hosting for Minister for Small Business, the Hon Michael McCormack. The Q&A will be open to small business owners in the area to come discuss negative and positive experiences with the Minister. It’s a great opportunity and I encourage local business owners to attend.