As our state continues to kick goals in the fight against COVID-19 and we thunder towards the end of a year to remember, there is no sign of things slowing down for the Peel business community.
If anything, we are just getting started!
With much of our plans being put on hold for months, the Chamber and our partners have now hit the ground running with events, seminars, workshops and programs across the region.
Local procurement opportunities have been front and centre with the Chamber teaming up with the Peel Development Commission, WA Local Government Authority and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation to run a series of procurement workshops and seminars across Murray and Serpentine Jarrahdale, highlighting state and local government procurement practices and the massive pipeline of upcoming opportunities in our region.
This focus will continue into 2021 and beyond as we see many of our regional local governments release ambitious capital works programs for the coming year as a targeted collective recovery effort.
The focus on opportunities will continue later this month with the State Government's economic plans for the future being front and centre for our State of Business Breakfast with WA treasurer Ben Wyatt, Small Business Commissioner David Eaton and Rebecca Cassells from Curtin University at the Byford and Districts Country Club on Tuesday, September 29.
The Shire of Murray continues to power ahead with works all over the Shire including the grand opening of the amazing and long-awaited Dwellingup Trails Centre, launch of the shire's all new and perfectly positioned Tourism Strategy - Wild at Heart, and the Business Sundowner event on Wednesday, September 23.
The Alcoa Peel Business Excellence Awards have also been heavily adjusted to reflect this difficult and unique year, with a complete overhaul of the process, categories, criteria and delivery format.
Award announcements will, for the first time in its history be announced over a series of days via the dedicated program social media platforms, with the adjusted gala awards night being held in late October.
The 2020 Alcoa Peel Business Excellence Awards received an unprecedented amount of nominations and entries resulting in the fiercest competition we have ever seen.
November will also see a month packed full of programs and events including the sold out Great Chamber Soiree at the Bridge Garden Bar and Restaurant, a 2021 State Election Candidates forum in Pinjarra and the 2020 Peel Business Expo on Saturday, November 7 at the Mandurah Forum Shopping Centre.
We will also be inviting larger businesses to participate in a targeted human resourcing program over the summer season.
I'd like to take this opportunity to remind our community to support our hospitality, tourism and retail businesses as we begin to gather together again and prepare for the holiday season.
There's no better time than now to holiday at home, explore your own backyard, take a tour and support those who had done it tough during the pandemic lockdown period; these businesses have always supported our community and now it's our turn to return the favour.
- Andrew McKerrell is the general manager of the Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry
