Mr Bice has resigned to take up the position of chief executive officer of Bendigo Stadium.

Related: 2021 Be. Bendigo Business Excellence Awards go digital

Mr Bice said he is looking forward to the new challenge.

"BSL is a complex organisation with so many layers and it's organisations like this providing access to sport, events and entertainment that are the heartbeat of regional communities," he said.

"Providing facilities and services for the benefit of the entire community is something that I have long-admired about BSL and I'm very much looking forward to being part of the future success."

Be.Bendigo chairperson Marika McMahon said although the board was disappointed to receive Dennis' resignation, she was pleased that he was moving to lead a valued Be.Bendigo partner organisation.

"Dennis' commitment to the community, and in particular to local businesses, has seen our organisation expand its membership base and importantly our profile during his nearly four-year tenure," she said.

"As COVID-19 impacted our business community, Dennis has been, and continues to be, a steady voice of reason, providing invaluable guidance and support to our members and the broader business community."

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Ms McMahon said Mr Bice's strong relationships with government, community and business ensured that they could get reliable and up-to-date information out to their members as quickly as possible.

"To have a chief executive who has the respect of community has been invaluable as we continue to navigate our way through the changing business environment we find ourselves in," she said.

"On behalf of Be.Bendigo board and members, I'd like to thank Dennis and congratulate him on his new role.

"We all know that the Bendigo Stadium is a vital part of our community and we are pleased that organisation is the next to benefit from Dennis' expertise."

Be.Bendigo has started the search for a replacement.

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"We're looking forward to recruiting a dynamic CEO whose role it will be to support and guide Bendigo businesses in the post-COVID pandemic world," Ms McMahon said.

"Be Bendigo is in a strong position to take the next step in ensuring our vision of supporting businesses to create a vibrant and successful Bendigo."

Mr Bice commences his role with Bendigo Stadium Limited on November 1.

The announcement comes ahead of Bendigo's largest business awards event which will take place tonight.

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