HELPING to grow Mount Gambier as a tourist destination and continuing to build its reputation as a great liveable city, the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce has celebrated another successful year of achievements.
The chamber outlined its achievements, goals and the issues facing the city’s business sector at its recent annual general meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, re-elected president Lynette Martin said the organisation would continue to advocate for the city’s businesses, raise issues and also collaborate with other organisations.
“The board continues to work closely with the local, state and federal government to achieve positive outcomes for our members and I acknowledge the constructive working relationship that we enjoy with them all,” Ms Martin said.
“The chamber is Mount Gambier’s only independent business voice and to work in collaboration with these people is the only way of achieving successful outcomes for Mount Gambier and our members.”
The chamber has collaborated closely with Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast on a business waste reduction program, the City of Mount Gambier and its newly formed Tourism Mount Gambier.
Ms Martin also highlighted the chamber’s partnership with The Border Watch with the publishing of a monthly business page, which was a key tool in raising the profile of the organisation.
Among the issues facing the city, the business leader said growing the city’s tourism economy continued to be at the forefront.
“It is interesting to note the city council’s visitor information services review clearly shows that we have to rethink the way we provide information to tourists,” Ms Martin said.
“Some years ago the chamber mooted that more visitor information should be provided at the Main Corner and we are pleased to see that this is one of the recommendations from this report.”
Ms Martin said the chamber has also been involved with the formation of the council’s cultural and heritage plan.
“This is another exciting initiative that will create an opportunity to improve the living experience of residents in Mount Gambier as well as driving tourism and economic development,” she said.
“Members of the board have contributed to meetings with the consultants – this is another example of the chamber working on behalf of our members to achieve positive outcomes that we hope will ultimately benefit Mount Gambier.
“The chamber is looking forward to working with council and other stakeholders to develop a strong plan to enable our economic growth in the future and maintain our position as the second biggest city in South Australia and the largest city in our region.”
Earlier in the year the chamber worked with the office of the Small Business Commissioner to present a Bizlink expo for businesses in Mount Gambier.
“This gave people the opportunity to talk with government and non-government agencies all in the one room,” Ms Martin said.
“Normally you would have to travel to a bigger city and have appointments all over the place to achieve that.
“It was a great success and they are looking to do a similar venture every two years.”
Ready to join in and make a difference, Optus franchisee Craig Bruins recently joined the chamber board.
“I signed up because I wanted to be a voice for the younger generation who are moving into business or involved in business,” Mr Bruins said.
“I wanted to give back to the community as they have supported me and my business for a long time.
“Over the next year I hope to bring in new ideas, new technology and encourage other young people to step out or grow their existing business.”
Confident Mount Gambier will continue to grow and thrive, Ms Martin said the Blue Lake city remained a great place to visit and live.
“Mount Gambier has much to offer to attract people to our city, our geographical position, temperate climate, abundant rainfall, cost of living, housing affordability, personal security and much more.”
Businesses are encouraged to renew their membership or join as as a new member.
