February has been and gone already and what a rush it was.
The shortest month of the year has been quite busy for the business community with many looking at new and exciting activation projects to keep the momentum going, and the Peel Chamber is no different. Our first initiative for the year, the quarterly Membership Bootcamp, was a huge success.
These sessions are designed to help new and existing members maximise their Chamber membership, while also touching on day-to-day operation topics to help small business. Plans for the 2019 Alcoa Peel Business Excellence Awards are in full swing, with catering and partnership EOIs now open, and online nominations officially launched on March 1.
If you know of an outstanding local business, why not show your appreciation and nominate them. To close out the month, February 28 saw our first Business After Hours networking event and the launch of a special partnership with the Peel Thunder Football Club.
Our local and state advocacy projects and campaigns have begun with the Chamber joining the Country Taxi Association and Mandurah Taxis stepping up the fight for a level regulatory playing field in the changing space of on-demand transport.
While this issue is incredibly complex, with decades of layered legislation, the ‘fight for fair’ continues as the current proposal will see operators in Mandurah and Murray hit with further regulation and restrictions as they maintain 24-hour services providing vital services to our community’s most vulnerable members - this is a service we simply cannot afford to lose.
The ongoing Maurice Blackburn national class action suit is also weighing in on the issue, with representatives hosting a briefing update last Friday, providing an insight into the unfolding situation in other states.
Progress is on the horizon with the Department of Transport now meeting with key stakeholders to reconsider information and direction as these changes are introduced.
The Peel Chamber executive board has also outlined and implemented a strategy of sustained representation at all local government council meetings, ensuring the business community is kept up to date with all upcoming opportunities and ensuring your voice is heard.
Finally, the Peel Chamber is continuing to build on new business connectivity initiatives and business networking programs, including our new casual networking format. If you want to get involved with your business community, get in contact with the Chamber.
Andrew McKerrell is Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry general manager.
