The Goulburn Chamber of Commerce held its annual AGM on November 10.
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The main purpose was the voting in of the new executive committee who will provide strategic direction for the chamber over the next twelve months.
President Darrell Weekes presented the president's report for the 2020/21 financial year.
In recognising the impact COVID had community wide over the past 18 months, he acknowledged the Chamber was also impacted by restrictions and changed ways of delivering services.
COVID forced the Chamber to shift to online delivery of monthly Chamber meetings and the Business2580 awards, but despite the challenges, the Chamber had a very successful year.
Community engagement with the virtual Business2580 awards was very positive and the event has become a feature of Goulburn's calendar.
Mr Weekes said the Chamber also made the decision earlier this year to postpone the inaugural Explore Local Expo due to uncertainty around COVID restrictions.
"The pent-up demand that we will experience next year will be extraordinary," Mr Weekes said.
"We are talking about 150 or more businesses exhibiting and attracting thousands of people to this event.
"This will be our major event for 2022 and we look forward to getting stuck into preparations with the new Executive Committee."
Mr Weekes also highlighted that behind every business is a team of people who rely on that business in very important ways.
"These are people who are doing extraordinary things to keep serving customers, keep paying bills, and keep their staff in a job," he said.
"It is important for people to understand that 'business' is people."
He was proud of the Chamber's efforts to support local business owners and connect them with relevant information and experts.
The Chamber has experienced a steady increased in membership over the past two years, with currently over 100 members. This growth can be attributed to the Chamber's efforts to deliver high impact programs that benefit members as well as all local business owners and the broader community - including the Talent2580 panel discussions, Business2580 Awards, shop2580 campaign and shop2580 gift card program.
Mr Weekes thanked the 2020/21 Executive Committee for their support and efforts in delivering the Chamber's program of initiatives. Special mention was made to acknowledge the efforts of long-standing committee members and treasurers Kia Dance and Liz Townsend who both stood down from the committee to pursue other interests.
Mr Weekes will remain as president for the next financial year while Danae Vitnell and Mark Bradbury both return as vice presidents.
Josh Matthews will be the secretary and public officer, Tennille Skelly will be the treasurer and Andrew Divall, Janelle Tinham and Steve Ruddell will all be General Executive Members.
For more information, contact the Chamber's media officer Katrina Tite at media@goulburnchamber.com.au.
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