As we near the end of 2024, it is of the utmost gratitude I would like to express to our partners, our members and stakeholders for joining us on an incredible year. It is hard to put into words the opportunities we continue to receive and then for us to connect our business community for their greater good.
While I have the opportunity can I please encourage all of our members, both small businesses and larger corporations to participate in our 2025 planning short survey (please click here). We will be using this information to shape our iniatitives in 2025.
The expansion of our reach to the business community can only be achieved by an active and engaged Executive Committee led by Danny Griffin, General Manager of Laminex and Chair of the South West Development Commission. Five members from our managing committee have taken on portfolios for 2025 which will enhance the offering to our members, that is, there is something for everyone. The portfolio’s include:
- Women in Business,
- Aboriginal Business Engagement,
- Young People in Business,
- SW Leaders Program,
- and Geographe for Purpose.
After I commenced in the role, coming up to two years in January, I am confident that the question of “what does a Chamber do” has lessened. However, if you are one that is still wondering why we exist? In short, we drive business connection, we pride ourselves on building business knowledge and sustainability and we advocate for our membership community.
Our team of four meets on Monday mornings to discuss updates for the week ahead, as no week is ever the same. We pride ourselves on being agile for our members. For example, a few months ago, our Gold partner Albemarle faced the difficult decision to let 300 of their workers go. Partnering with the Chamber of Minerals & Energy, we coordinated 15 of our industry members to set up a stand at Chamber House within a week of the job losses, inviting the displaced workers to meet potential employers. I reached out to one of the local Rotary Clubs, the Greater Bunbury Rotary, to provide a sausage sizzle, funded by Albemarle, to enhance the experience and welcome at the event. Our collaborative efforts not only supported the affected employees during a challenging time but also reinforced the strength of our community in coming together to provide opportunities and foster connections.
We close the year knowing that the time away from the desk is good to replenish, renew and be ready to serve the people, our members in 2025 with all that we can.
Wishing everyone a wonderful preparation for the holiday season. While our events are winding down for the year, our office will remain open until the 20 December as we busily plan for the coming year.
