Presidents Blog - Feb 2010

Wow! This time last year I reported on the parlous state of the economy. What a difference a year makes! It looks like we are set to return to boom-time conditions.

Our goals for 2009 were achieved, and then some.

In 2009, we had three principle initiatives:

• To amalgamate successfully with KDTA and Bickley Carmel Valley Tourism

Association

• To establish a Kalamunda Farmers Market

• To secure funding for the Chamber for tourism, apprenticeship opportunities and

education for small business.

Your Chamber is now responsible for promoting tourism, which is a key driver of economic growth for our Shire. Through the amalgamation, we have inherited the Harvest Festival, which is on again in May.

We also have established Perth’s best Farmers Market, which runs every Sunday morning. Businesses in Kalamunda are benefiting from the market, with some choosing to open Sunday instead of Monday!

If you want to cross-promote your business through the market, why not speak to us! We get between 1500 and 3000 of your potential customers through our market every Sunday!

We also attracted funding for Kalamunda branded tourism products, to allow us to further promote the region.

In between all of this, we managed to rewrite our constitution, register for GST, and act as an advocate for small businesses who wanted a fair go.

2009 finished in style with our Business Excellence Awards in late November, and I want to congratulate all the nominees and winners. I encourage all businesses that value recognition of their efforts to nominate themselves in next year’s awards.

A special thanks to Josh and Rachel from Myattsfield Vineyard for hosting our Christmas drinks!

This year we are focussing on tourism, business improvement and networking events. For more info, read this edition of Round Table!

Rob Bentley, President

Robert Bentley, President