Council
15 March, 2024
Opportunity for business group
CHIEF executive officers from two successful regional Victorian chambers of commerce will feature at Warrnambool business breakfasts this month.
Warrnambool business operators will be able to hear CEO of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce Jeremy Crawford and CEO of Commerce Ballarat Jodie Gillett talk about the value and benefits of having a group to represent businesses and commerce.
The free breakfast events will be held at the Mid City Motel on Tuesday, March 26 and Wednesday, April 24.
These sessions form part of council’s engagement with the business community to gauge interest in forming a business representative group, such as a chamber of commerce.
“This is a great opportunity for local business operators and owners to find out what a contemporary chamber of commerce can do,” Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said.
Mr Crawford heads a chamber that has been in existence for more than 170 years while Ms Gillett has led Commerce Ballarat since 2008 and along the way been awarded an Order of Australia medal for service to business in Ballarat.
“It’s been several years since there was an active business representative group in Warrnambool so we’re assessing the level of interest from local businesses in forming a new group,” Cr Blain said.
Along with hearing from Ms Gillett and Mr Crawford, attendees will be provided with an update on the work done so far on forming a business representative group.
Council manager economic development and events Steve Hoy said the final step in this process would be a vote to see if there was enough passionate people to form an inaugural Warrnambool Business Representative Group committee.
“Input into the structure and objectives of a business representative group will also be sought,” Mr Hoy said.
“Even if a business owner has not been involved in this process to date, it’s not too late to get involved and share your thoughts.”
Should a chamber or similar group be formed, it would be a community-driven organisation.
At this stage council is facilitating a discussion about the setting up of a group and how it might be structured.
People interested in attending or who want to learn more can email ecodev@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
