While the pandemic is still having some impacts on our business community, it has been pleasing this year for us to be able to get back to bringing people together at our events. The annual Golf Day, Business Awards and breakfast and lunch events have all been incredibly well supported. We thank you all for your continued support of the Chamber.
I’d like to acknowledge the incredible support of our Platinum Sponsors – CEX Group, Park Beach Plaza and Southern Cross University. I’d also like to acknowledge and thank all of our other sponsors, as well as our members for their ongoing support this past year and in the years to come.
When I stepped into the presidency role 2 years ago, it was with a firm commitment to further carry on the great work from the previous board to deliver sound business results for our region. I’d like to share with you what I’ve been most proud of over the past year while I’ve had the honour of being your Chamber president. I am still being impressed with seeing many new faces at the events we have run. As well as seeing a greater diversity in the new members we’ve had join us this past 12 months. We’ve seen an increase in the range of industries and businesses of all sizes from sole traders to larger employers becoming members. And that’s something me and the Board are very proud of. A part of this can be attributed to the diversity of talent on the Chamber Board.
The rebranded and relaunched Coffs Coast Business Awards for 2021, which were held last December, following a couple of tries at getting them away is another good example of this. We had a great response to business nominations as well as entries for the awards. And it’s been wonderful to see so many entries from businesses who have never entered the awards before. It was a great success with nearly 400 attending and ready to send off 2021 with a bang! The venue change was exciting and The Hoey did itself and the city proud, with the whole event being different in format and presentation. Well done to all concerned!
There really is lots to be excited about for the future of jobs and industry in our region. The Chamber has focussed attention on continuing to represent you, and the community to ensure local projects, and opportunities advance. There’s been some significant wins that the Chamber has been active in consultation, and representation, that we would like to share:
● The Jetty Foreshore Precinct Activation Project continues to progress with the State Government. We actively encouraged people to have their say during the community consultation events and surveys, which saw a record number of responses which will give a solid idea of what our community wants to see for this precinct. The Chamber initiated a facts versus myths campaign to ensure the community was well informed and we look forward to seeing positive outcomes for our community as part of this project.
● We’ve continued to support Southern Cross University and were successful in lobbying for the $40M for the Stage 2 Allied Health infrastructure. This effort included us meeting with numerous Federal Ministers, so it’s now over to the Federal Government to deliver on this.
● We continually collaborate and support Coffs Harbour City Council and their 6 degrees team with business orientated initiatives for several events and activations throughout the year. As well as being involved in stakeholder meetings on important Council strategies that impact local businesses. We’ve also represented the voice of business when speaking on motions at Council meetings.
● We continue to lobby Govt regarding Dangerous Goods for the Bypass project.
● Our breakfast and lunchtime networking events have had quality speakers who entertained and educated the room in many varied topics.
● As always, we’ll lobby for jobs, jobs, jobs. With unemployment now quite low, the main concern for the business community is in relation to staff shortages and the difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled workers.
● Launched phase 2 of the Go Local First Campaign to support Small Business on the Coffs Coast.
● Lobbied and commented through all media outlets about business, business impacts, support required, and good news stories.
● Plus, the Chamber has provided submissions on a number of matters and projects planned for our city and provided a number of letters of support to businesses for development applications, grant funding and other initiatives for businesses creating jobs in our region.
The Chamber remains focused on advocating for all our local businesses with the passion to see all businesses succeed.
Financially, we have once again been able to have had a small, but positive surplus of funds this past financial year. As a Chamber, we’re committed to ensuring any surplus is strategically positioned to ensure the best outcomes for our members.
I would like to acknowledge the work done to help further this community by our dearly beloved and recently departed Vice President Al Clayton who passed away unexpectedly . I thank you Al. The city thanks you. RIP mate.
To the entire 2021/2022 Board I thank you for your support, dedication, and above all your passion for seeing the business community in Coffs Harbour thrive.
Yours sincerely,
Ray Smith
PRESIDENT