WANTED: local businesspeople with the ideas, enthusiasm and time to champion business in Dungog Shire.
Dungog Chamber of Commerce president Alan Green says the business group’s greatest challenge is to find new committee members.
Without new blood, the chamber could go into ‘hibernation’, he warned in his report to the chamber’s annual general meeting on 17 September.
“We need at least three people to volunteer their time and skills,” Mr Green said.
“The chamber plays an important role in supporting local businesses, promoting our community and giving businesses a voice.
“However, we cannot continue without a committed committee.”
No previous committee experience is needed.
“What we need is people who are willing to contribute their ideas, time and enthusiasm,” Mr Green added.
“The Chamber has achieved a great deal in the past year, and there’s still an important role for us in supporting our local business community.”
His president’s report highlighted ‘a very successful and productive year – hosting numerous functions and events, conducting a members’ survey, undertaking a strategic planning workshop, and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dungog Shire Council.
The chamber’s survey canvassed ideas from its 95 members, as well as former members and non-members who wished to participate.
“The responses were particularly encouraging, with 79% satisfied with the chamber’s achievements,” the president said.
“It demonstrates that members value our work. Equally important, it provided us with ideas for how we can better serve our membership.”
The new committee will be tasked with developing and implementing the best of the initiatives suggested.
Among the year’s highlights were the Dowling Street Christmas Party and the successful Future of Farming event, which attracted 50 guests.
Another was its sponsorship of the Dungog Shire Youth Council. Created to encourage youth leadership, the initiative emerged from the Community Builders Program’s Dungog Community Action Plan.
Mr Green said the MOU strengthens the chamber’s relationship with the council and provides a framework for ongoing communication and cooperation.
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