The Wheatbelt Business Network (WBN) turns 10 years old this year and continues to go from strength to strength.
The WBN started in Merredin in 2010 as a membership-based support network for businesses from the local area, and from there it has grown to a membership of almost 350 businesses scattered throughout the Wheatbelt region and growing.
WBN founder and chief executive Caroline Robinson said the development of the collective had been 'a lot of hard work, but hugely rewarding'.
"My goal has always been to be on the ground supporting businesses in the region with their challenges and sharing their successes with other businesses," she said.
"It has been a lot of driving across the countryside but exceptionally rewarding.
"I am thankful for all of our members and supporters over the last 10 years."
Rachael Thomas, who joined WBN a year ago as business manager, said the wide-spread success and appeal of the organisation was down to a hands on approach from leadership.
"I think what makes the WBN successful and so valuable to businesses is its ability to engage with its members to find out what they need and to also constantly re-evaluate its offerings and services," she said.
"We look forward and assess what is happening with the economy, industrial relations, OHS and technology and then do everything we can to provide services, strategic programs, workshops and networking opportunities that keep our members abreast of what is happening, help them to grow as business people and build better businesses, and expand their customer base.
"We also provide a valuable support network where members can seek help, assistance or guidance on a wide range of issues, and we work with them to come up with a workable solution."
Significant support for the WBN within the business community has added to a positive sentiment.
The group celebrated their first life member, Byfields Merredin associate Russell Roberts who was a founding committee member a decade ago.
Mr Roberts said the title was something he wore with pride.
"I initially volunteered to be on the committee as I could see the great potential in Caroline's concept of a regional Chamber of Commerce-type organisation that offered a range of services to businesses across the Wheatbelt," he said.
"My particular passion was centred on networking events, as this is an area that I feel is of great benefit to business owners particularly in smaller towns.
"What started as a small concept in Merredin and Narembeen has grown to now see the WBN being a well- recognised brand that represents all organisations spread across a large portion of Wheatbelt .
"The growth can be attributed to the many volunteers that have been part of the committee combined with some excellent staff and of course the drive from Caroline.
"My time on the WBN board was very rewarding and resulted in many new contacts from both industries and areas that I otherwise may not have come to meet.
"These contacts have been useful, not only for me personally, but also as a resource to refer my own clients to."
Pinpointing a highlight of the past decade, Mr Roberts said he was honoured to host dinner guests including Dale Alcock, Michael Malone and Sue Daubney.
"The growth of the board - it started as six Merredin and Narembeen residents and has now grown to 11 members from Yerecoin to Mukinbudin and everywhere in between - has been amazing to see," he said.
"Working with Caroline - from the tears of disappointment to the good times had in getting the WBN to where it is now is another highlight."
The WBN will celebrate its milestone in style on Saturday, May 2 when it presents its business awards at the Cummins Theatre in Merredin where it all began.
Entries are open to all Wheatbelt businesses.
The network recommend using the awards as a way of taking stock of where individual businesses were at, what they'd achieved in recent years and celebrating business successes.
Entries close on March 20 and details on categories and how to enter can be found at www.wheatbeltbusinessnetwork.com.au.