By Narelle Coulter
With the snip of a bright green ribbon, Highview Accounting’s new Codrington Street office complex was officially opened on Tuesday 20 June.
Casey mayor Sam Aziz performed the honour with director Silvio Marinelli.
Watching on were Highview’s 35 staff as well as directors Darren Crowther, Dave Sheahan and associate director Nick McPhillips.
Also there was Heather Crowther, Darren’s mum, who bought Highview in the early 1990s with Silvio.
Heather now works part-time as the firm’s internal accountant.
“This is very much a family business and has been for a long time,“ Mr Marinelli said.
“From very humble beginnings in a little lounge room where I first met Heather Crowther. I took her car park that day, so I apologise for that Heather. It has come a long way since then.“
Mr Marinelli said that even though the firm now had offices in Mornington and Prahran, Cranbourne would remain the central head office of the practice.
“We like promoting the City of Casey as a fantastic place to do business,“ he said.
Casey mayor Sam Aziz said Highview’s new office was “symbolic of the progress and success we like to see in this great city of ours“.
He commended Highview for its community focus, calling the business “an icon of this part of our city“.
“The builder has done a fantastic job, and I believe it is carbon neutral building.“
Mr Aziz outlined the growth expected in the City of Casey over the next 20 years, telling the Highview directors “your customers will be thriving all around you“.
“Highview has been the Casey Business of the Year, which is further testament to the excellence and best practice you exhibit on your organisation.
“I am sure you will continue to go from strength to strength.“
Mr Marinelli made special mention of the long associations Highview has enjoyed over decades with associates including Michael Jaboor at Allianz, Nik Raymond at Corporate Finance and Michael Gershkov and Garry Crole at InterPrac.
“We value those relationships,“ Mr Marinelli said.
“When we find someone we are happy with, we don’t change.“
Mr Gershkov said it was great to see firms of the calibre of Highview committing resources and providing employment in the outer suburbs.
“This is a great area, and this new building is great for Silvio and his team,“ he said.
The morning tea raised $1403 for the Cancer Council.
