BGCCI President’s Report – September 2019The Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce & Industry AGM on the 18 September heralded in a new year and committee and also afforded us the opportunity to recognise the contributions and efforts of our outgoing office bearers. In particular we recognised the tremendous contribution from Fiona Skilbeck over many years by awarding her Life Membership and also to David Kerr, our outgoing President, for his enduring support and dedication to our South West Business Association.We also welcomed our new Executive Committee and now look forward to their contribution in the year ahead.  We are excited and energised by the passion, talent and experience that the new team offer in representing our regional business community.  We are currently working to get everyone inducted and familiarised with the process and procedures of the Chamber and also updated on the key issues we are or need to be dealing with.We have been actively involved in discussions with the City of Bunbury, WA State departments and other regional stakeholders on an economic planning review and the development of action plans which will focus our energies and commitments in the medium term.Ongoing discussions and engagement on the Central Bunbury and other CBD activation projects are crucial to implementing plans to engage with our landlords, tenants and business owners to offer alternative models for promoting and enhancing our business presence in central Bunbury and creating a viable and smart city.Our interactions with our regional Shires continue to strengthen as we focus on the relationships and commitments needed to address the key issues on infrastructural planning, creating business zones, attracting investment and creating jobs. A key component of this focus is the retention and building of a skilled workforce which will meet the current and emerging needs of our region.We are encouraged that State Departments responsible for Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation are also focussing on our region to attract the public and private investment focus that we need to grow and develop industry in Bunbury Geographe.The South West Freight & Logistics forum meetings recently held in Bunbury were a platform for addressing the issues that need to be resolved and stating the initiatives required for major investments in future multi-modal freight hubs in the South West. These discussions will form part of our presentations at the WA Freight & Logistics Conference in Perth this week.The BGCCI represents the voice of the business community and we look forward to interacting with all our stakeholders and business associations to ensure that we showcase our true potential, our centres of excellence and attract investment into the key areas requiring development.Business and Communities are partners in delivering these objectives, so the new City and Shire Councils and the new CEO of the SW Development Commission present a prime opportunity for us and our business community to be fully represented and become actively engaged and have our voices heard.  Our new leadership team look forward to engaging with our stakeholders and meeting you at our business events and promotions in the coming months.We live and work in an amazingly beautiful and resourceful region which offers a healthy lifestyle, is great for families and is also attractive for business growth and development. We should celebrate this, talk up our achievements and successes and portray a positive message that will attract talent, growth and investment.RegardsRob SkipseyPresident BGCCI22 October 2019
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