Bega Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Presidents Report

2010-2011

I am once again pleased to report to you all that the Chamber has had another productive year.

Highlights and Achievements for the year include:

·         We have played a pivotal role in ensuring that all members and local businesses have been kept well informed of the Woolworths development, holding regular meetings and giving all a strong voice.

·         Once again we supported the Australia day celebrations and were proud sponsors of the Young and Senior Community Citizens of the Year.  Senior: Brian Richards. Young: Andrea Hayman

·         The Bega on the Christmas Cash Tree promotion was another huge success with over $12,000 in prizes being given away over the Christmas period, people stayed and shopped in Bega and that has been our focus.

·         The Chamber has again supported the Bega Education Access Centre Scholarship program, Robin McDonald was the grateful recipient.

·         We supported the Rotary, Youth Driver Awareness Program.

·         Support for the NRL Canberra v Melbourne game.

·         Instrumental in assisting the Snowy Hydro Southcare Helicopter to land at the NRL match held in Bega and gain much needed support for the cause.

·         We are proud to support groups such as the Delta Dog’s, this group of people and their specially trained pets take the time to visit with the elderly people in the community and shine a little light on their day.

·         The Chamber has taken the issue of the Carp Street trees to BVSC for review, Margaret Sirl has been used in consultation.

At this stage council is not wanting to take any action.

·         Through the organising of meetings we have kept the local community up to date on all the current developments in town, there have been many issues raised and all concerns have been reported back on a regular basis, we have been successful as a strong voice to have many issues looked at more closely and have been able to see changes made to plans that will better serve our community.

·         Our Gold Star members are a vital part of the Chamber, we thank you all for your support over the years as without your continued involvement we would be unable to hold functions and promotions throughout the year.

·         A huge thanks to John Watkin for organising the entertainment for the 2010 Christmas Promotion as well as being the MC for the evening and I thank him for the time he offers the chamber.  Band, Confidential Bystanders were again there to entertain and we thank you for your time and effort in making it a fun night. Magpie Music ‘s generosity with equipment and staff were very much appreciated.

·         Holding such events as the Christmas promotion would not be possible without the support of Bega Cheese, I would like to thank Barry Irvin and the board for their unwavering support over the years, your contributions allow such events to be the huge success they are. I would like to welcome the new Bega Cheese CEO Mr Aiden Coleman

·         I have been very fortunate to have had such fantastic support from the members of the executive, Beth Hart, Linda Weedon, Cathy Benzie, Evan Davies, John Watkin, Chris Maxted, Chris Dwyer, Phil McDonald, Lisa Hocking & Mal Barnes the Chamber has been fortunate to have you all involved, your assistance insight and determination is to be commended.

·         I would like to thank Shannon Whitford the Admin Assistant who has done a great job, her help with day to day running of the Chamber, organising and setting up the promotions is really appreciated.

·         I would also like to thank my business partner Chris Murphy, who has supported me with the Bega on the Go from day one, my staff, all local businesses, 2EC Radio, The Bega District News and the ABC Radio, Maree Hergenhan, Kim Saker, Kirsty McPaul and  Aimee Hay for the time they gave the chamber. A really special thanks goes to the community for their support in joining in the promotions. There are far too many to mention individually, and to those people a sincere appreciation of your efforts is expressed.

·         I look forward to another successful year for the Chamber as Bega transitions from a small country town to a thriving rural hub.

·         Let’s keep working together to keep Bega moving in the right direction.

·         I am retiring as President of the Bega Chamber of Commerce and Industry after 14 years, but remaining President of the Combined Chamber of Commerce which is the Bega Valley Business Forum.

·         I thank you all for your support over the years

Robert Hayson

President

September 2011