April AboundsThere is a buzz in the air. What an exciting time to be in the South West. With a four-day Easter break just behind us, and two weeks of school holiday’s well underway, Bunbury is alive with visitors. Our hospitality industry, more specifically our accommodation providers were at capacity over the Easter long weekend. Testament to the variety of what Bunbury Geographe region has to offer our visitors.The Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) events calendar is certainly ramping up with 5 events delivered in March, 5 more planned for April and 8 events planned for May.On the 26 March we hosted the Indian Consul General, Miss Dantu Charandarsi to showcase the business opportunities with India. The event provided an opportunity for presentations from the Consul General herself, explaining the growing capability of the Indian economy and the potential of business opportunities with such a vibrant and evolving nation. The President of the South West Indian Group (SWIG), Dr P Ramesh, shared with us his vision for SWIG and upcoming events in the region. The honourable Don Punch, MLC and Member for Bunbury shared his own personal experiences of working with Indian businesses. Mat Lewis from the South West Development Commission showcased the many trade partnerships and experiences he has personally been involved in. David Kerr, CEO Dolphin Discovery Centre, OAM and Immediate Past President for the BGCCI shared how tourism partnerships are vital between Australia and India and represent a growing market segment for us to focus on in a post-COVID environment. He also shared how the power of social media transcends boarders and geographical boundaries, with a video of a dolphin calf rescue going viral, with India being the spark.Thanks to the support of the Consul General, BGCCI also have the honour of hosting an Indian photography exhibition through the lens of Pete Holton - Visions of India. The exhibition is free to view and open to the public, weekdays from 9am – 5pm till the end of April. Pete has made his collection available for purchase at significantly discounted rates for members of BGCCI. While we can not travel overseas right now, you’re invited to come and visit the Chamber, view Peter’s work and take home a piece of India to experience for yourself.Our membership is growing! I have been meeting each new business that joins the BGCCI and I'm excited by the energy, positivity and success that many of our new and existing members are achieving in their businesses. Now is a great time to join a growing and thriving community of like-minded businesses. Join us on Facebook and LinkedIn. For more information contact the Chamber 08 9791 2292 or admin@bgcci.com.auOur March Business After Hours at the Bayview Bar was kindly hosted by the team at the Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) providing a great location and atmosphere for networking. With over 90 attendees this was a fantastic networking event and a great opportunity to make new business connections.Other training & events coming up in April & May include;
8 April                  DPIRD/SBDC – SW Subcontractor Series 2 – Investigating unfair practice against small businesses
                4.00pm – 6.00pm followed by networking drinks
28 April               Maker & Co – Lean Business Canvas – Bring your emerging business idea to life? - Lunch & Learn
                11.30 – 2.00pm
28 April               Bunbury Turf Club – Business After Hours – Members Only Sundowner
                5.15pm – 7.30pm
29 April               Mare Legal Workwise Advisory – Fair Work Amendments - Lunch & Learn
               11.00 – 2.00pm
29 April        DPIRD/Local Jobs Program – SW Subcontractor Series 3 - How and where to find your next employee
               4.00pm – 6.00pm followed by networking drinks
7 May         NBN/TPG – Building Business Capacity and Capability – Future Proofing the Bunbury Geographe Region
              All day event
Stay safe and please reach out to the Chamber if there is anything we can do to support you.
CEO BGCCI
.webp)