Who are we and how do we want to be recognised?
At the recent Tuesday evening networking forum, those in attendence listened to Brad Carter - Mayor elect Rockhampton Regional Council outlining the challenges and opportunities facing not only the new Rockhampton Regional Council but also our wider regional community. Some reflection on Brad’s (and Gary, Rose & Greg) thoughts reinforced a challenge and opportunity that our own Rockhampton Chamber of Commerce has been working through.
Who are we and how do we want to be recognised?
Last year the management committee invested time and effort over a weekend navel gazing and considering the question above. Many thoughts and opinions were offered and debated … and the results we came away with were some ‘new’ words which still incorporated the founding thoughts of the organisation from 1875.
The Rockhampton Chamber of Commerce Inc exists to champion and support future business success.
The Rockhampton Chamber of Commerce Inc will be recognised as a membership driven organisation that advocates, facilitates and delivers benefits and resources for business sustainability and growth.
Being a self funded body has its own inherent challenges, but one of our constant challenges is seeking and collating the opinions of all with a genuine interest in the business and wider community of the greater Rockhampton area. Its frustrating to those involved who canvass opinions only not to have one offered, or even worse have one offered that is only willingly supported behind closed doors by the person offering it.
We ask the wider community and newer business people to the region what their perception of the Chamber of Commerce is? Perceptions are a pathway to the truth. So it is frustrating to me, as a younger business professional who is actively engaged with our community, to learn that public perception is that the Chamber of Commerce is an old men’s club - am I expending personal effort on a just and righteous cause? I think so, but I’d be keen to see more thoughts and comments on this, especially from the ladies and gentlemen who have recently become involved.
There are many great and postive things happening in our community and it was heartening to hear from our regions Mayor Elect that the Chamber of Commerce definitely has a role to play in shaping our regions future.
My challenge to you all is to find a way to actively play your role in our community and our Chamber of Commerce (or pass the baton on to someone else to take on a role you may have taken in younger years).