By Allan Milostic, Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce president
AS ANNOUNCED at last week’s networking function, we are pleased to advise that the Proserpine Chamber of Commerce and the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce will be merging to become one chamber.
The merger decision was finalised on Thursday, April 20, 2023, and the changeover process now begins.
We welcome the opportunity to expand and forge a stronger, more united voice within the Whitsundays business community, which will allow stronger representation for the many local and regional businesses.
This merger signals a period of exciting reinvigoration for business and industry in the region, providing the chamber with greater opportunities for our members.
We congratulate Kim Porter and Misty Bland on their appointment to the chamber committee and look forward to working with them.
We would also like to extend our appreciation to Amanda and Greg Yuskan, who will be liaising and assisting with the transition process of becoming one chamber.
The chamber will soon undertake a strategic review process, reviewing previous plans and establishing new ones to sharpen a regional focus on advocacy, membership services, events and networking, communications, and chamber operations.
As part of this review, we are considering new and exclusive membership offerings, with Proserpine Chamber members initially being offered an honorary 12-month membership to the combined chamber.
We are excited for what the future holds and the opportunities this merger presents.
We look forward to working with all our members and continuing to support and represent the Whitsundays business community.
In speaking of the future, at our next special chamber event, we will hear federal, state, and regional perspectives on the future for the Whitsundays.
Our speakers will explore the current drivers of change and how they might influence our region in the next 25-40 years, and ideas we could explore today to future-proof the next few decades.
The chamber will also discuss its intention to develop a vision for the Whitsundays and how chamber members and the community can play a vital role, by joining the conversation.
This event is open to all chamber members and their guests, and the broader Whitsundays community.
Save the date for Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 6pm to 8pm.
This event forms part of the chamber’s program for the 2023 Queensland Small Business Month and is supported by a Regional Networker Grant, administered by the Queensland Government Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.