2019 is here, and what a big year it’s going to be for the Peel region.
The business community has been in overdrive servicing customers and visitors over the Christmas holiday period.
Events and holiday programs have been occurring all over the region. Christmas, New Year and Australia Day events across all five shires, coding camps and classes for the young and curious, outdoor live music for families and the very popular Top of the Terrace Summer Bash.
January has been an incredibly busy month for the Chamber.
The Alcoa Peel Business Excellence Awards are returning in September, with catering and partnership EOIs opening very soon, and nominations to open next month.
If you know of an outstanding local business, show your appreciation and nominate them for an award.
2019 will also see an increase of local and state advocacy projects and campaigns as the state and federal political landscape changes with possible elections.
As of December 2018, I have joined the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Executive Committee, with the aim to further represent the needs of the Peel business community with regards to larger state government issues.
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This will include the continuation of applying pressure to consider and ultimately enact reform addressing the burden that is payroll tax for our medium-sized businesses.
With the news of GST distribution reform in the pipeline, this is set to be a major issue posed by private industry and advocacy bodies for the state’s upcoming budget.
Other key advocacy focus areas will be building on the results of the Maurice Blackburn class action suit against Uber launched late last year, and the for Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti to consider major reform to the regulatory landscape of this industry due to the current being of a grossly uneven playing field.
Additionally, Peel Chamber will look to partner with local governments and our traditional retailers to devise a beneficial strategy in managing the changing retail landscape, and the economic effects this is having on our community.
Finally, the Peel Chamber is looking to build on our business connectivity initiatives. Studies have shown local business-to-business partnerships produce incredible outcomes, both economically and socially.
The Chamber intends on building these opportunities as the needs of the business community continue to evolve. There’s no better time to get involved.
Andrew McKerrell is Peel Chamber of Commerce & Industry general manager.
