Believe it or not, we are mere weeks away from the end of 2019 and the start of a brand-new decade, which is already shaping up to be an incredible next 12 months for business and the Peel region as a whole.
The Chamber's calendar is already filling up fast for 2020 with networking events, educational seminars and business briefing events across the region.
Our subcommittees have also been busy planning, with the Peel CCI Serpentine Jarrahdale Business Support Group kicking off the new year with a Business Initiatives workshop planned for February 27, the Mandurah Young Professionals Group hosting Christina Matthews, CEO of the Western Australian Cricket Association for International Women's Day and the Waroona Business Support Group assisting the Shire of Waroona as they form a new strategic community plan for Waroona, Lake Clifton, Preston Beach and Drakesbrook.
November has seen our business community being provided with a small reprieve and opportunity to relax, take stock, and strategise for the year ahead.
There have been many successful events and forums including Melbourne Cup functions for our hospitality sector, tourism forums in Serpentine Jarrahdale, a transport and infrastructure forum in Dawesville and various state government and cabinet engagements in Pinjarra over the weekend.
The Chamber has also been taking stock of recent state policy announcements including the increase of the Payroll Tax Threshold and the effects this will have on business.
Although this announcement has been welcomed by industry, we still have a long road ahead in the fight against the tax on jobs, especially in regional WA.
Finally, as we enter the silly season, showing our love for family and friends with gifts and get-togethers, we would like to remind everyone of the importance of shopping local this Christmas and supporting our small, independent retail businesses.
Whether it's that special gift, the Christmas ham, or decorations to bring the magic of Christmas into your home, the Peel region is home to an abundance and variety of shopping options.
From Pinjarra to Byford and the vast offerings in the amazing Mandurah Forum, we really do have everything right on our doorstep.
Andrew McKerrell is the general manager of the Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
