THE Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry was very busy during November.
The Chamber launched an employee relations and advocacy service for its members, among other things.
The Airlie Group now offers Chamber members an initial free, confidential consultation on human resource basics, employee relations support and industrial relations advocacy.
Additionally, in the spirit of locals supporting locals, a number of Chamber members have exclusive offers available.
They are sharing their expertise, and helping boost members’ businesses, in the areas of finance, marketing, operations, workforce and special experiences.
See the Chamber’s website for all the details: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/member-to-member-offers/
The Chamber is also looking forward to partnering with Tourism Whitsundays for the ultimate end-of-year Whitsundays business community event, to be held on Thursday November 28, at the Airlie Beach Hotel.
Following the hugely successful ‘End of Year Charity Auction’, last year, another auction will be held online, from November 6 to November 27, to celebrate and award the funds to this year’s nominated charity, Eco Barge Clean Seas.
Registrations for this event are now open.
Also during November, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its Annual General Meeting.
In his President’s Report, Allan Milostic reported on activity and future plans across the Chamber’s strategic pillars of advocacy, membership and business education, having spent the last year bedding down new operations and communication foundations.
The Chamber also announced a new board for 2024-2025.
Following the AGM, a lively and informative conversation took place with two Chamber members and 2024 Whitsunday Business Award winners.
These were Hall of Fame appointee and Most Outstanding Whitsundays Service Provider Judy Porter, of Shiift, and Most Outstanding Whitsundays Retailer, Patrick Atkins, from Airlie Beach Crew Clothing Co.
Judy and Patrick shared the secrets to their business success.
“For us, our keys are gorilla marketing, being creative and creating interest in the brand, through digital marketing hype prior to release; and offering quality unique products at a reasonable price; and being an active part of the community,” Patrick said.
Shiift’s secret has always been leading with ‘purpose over profit’.
Judy spoke of their purpose to create better work environments through building leadership and culture.
“Better work environments mean you enjoy your job better and return home happier – a positive knock-on effect to your family and friends. We partner with clients who align with our purpose,” she said.
In looking to the future, Judy is looking forward to the challenges new clientele are presenting and a lot of travel.
“We have attracted much larger clients outside the region over the years. It’s so interesting that, no matter where we are in regional Australia, everyone is experiencing the same challenges. The recurring theme is ‘managing humans’.”
For Airlie Beach Crew Clothing Co. Patrick shared that the next few years will include more stockists operating on consignment, establishing a viable advertising budget, and the possibility of a stand-alone store.
The Whitsunday Business Awards will be held again in 2025.
