Presidents AGM Report 2010

Firstly, I thank the current committee for the support they have given to me and attending the various meetings and chamber events, I also thank other members who attend and help out on a regular basis.

Over the past year the Chamber has seen change in many areas.  Although we have grown in numbers overall, we have lost quite a few members who have gone bust or moved back to the southern states.  We can say that’s just bad luck or we as a chamber can try to do something to help more businesses stay afloat in bad times and for those who try and are not succeeding due to lack of business acumen.

We know that at least 85% of businesses on the Coast are small, many one man bands or husband wife teams, plus those up to five employees.  We know the problems that exist in this current climate, we have a recession, we have bad governing bodies that are over spending and creating excessive charges, plus rents that are too high.  We are burdened with so much red tape, impractical rules and over regulated. These are small businesses nightmares. Our Chamber can lead the way in tackling these issues by lobbying governments in a more vigorous manner, and to provide education and training for those who are having business problems.

The challenge to accomplish the issues we face is for our Chamber to be strong in membership led by a strong working committee. Our AGM in August is the time to put your hand up, providing you are prepared to share the workload to achieve our goals.  The workload is not onerous if everyone does their share.

I am listing some example sub-committees; I would expect committee members to be involved in.

• Business port folio
• Policy, procedures and constitution
• Events and fund raising
• Sponsorship and Membership
• IT and communications.
• Education and training

The wording and mix of the above will be decided by the executive and committee after the AGM.

I have to say something regarding Chambers of Commerce.  In countries around the world and in other states of Australia, chambers and their members are looked upon as the peak bodies of business and are respected as such.  These Chambers have a large proportion of businesses as members, which gives them strength when negotiating with government bodies.

The Gold Coast Chambers differ as they lack the support of many businesses to a degree whereby we are often ignored by governments and other business groups.  For this to change attitudes on what we are about need to change or we become a spent force and businesses will suffer.  Many people think of us as a networking group only with no other responsibilities, this is not so.  We are about supporting business in various ways and it must be realised that a chamber is only as strong as its membership.

Tony White, President