Today’s inaugural Pop Up Chamber event in Proserpine witnessed a remarkable show of unity and commitment from local business operators as they engaged in discussions about the future of the business community.
This year’s merger between the Whitsunday Coast and the Proserpine Chamber has paved the way for a revitalised approach to connecting, supporting, and representing local businesses.
Today’s Pop Up Chamber event served as a platform for business owners in Proserpine and across the region to connect, network, and share their concerns and aspirations.
Key highlights from the event were:
Appetite for connection and collaboration: Attendees spoke of the need for genuine opportunities to make valuable business connections and to form an active and collaborative business community. Businesses and stakeholders (such as Amanda Camm MP’s team who attended today) are keen to find a time and place regularly meet, learn more about each other, and explore collaborations. Today’s event saw business cards flying, excited conversations, and follow up actions.
Revealing business concerns: At the heart of today’s Pop Up Chamber were discussions on business concerns that resonated. Topics such as comprehensive insurance, small business education to improve financial health and proper bookkeeping, reliable internet and mobile phone coverage, enhancements to Proserpine’s streetscape, and funding pathways and support with grant writing were brought to the forefront.
Amplifying the business voice: These concerns directly align with the Chamber’s evolving advocacy platform which strives to represent the business community’s collective voice at all levels of government. The Chamber’s yet to be released strategy and advocacy plan was sense-checked with attendees, seeking feedback on how we can best address pressing business challenges and foster growth.
Richard Evans, the Chamber’s Policy Officer, said that today’s event emphasised the necessity of a unified and organised voice for businesses in the region.
“Our goal is to ensure that businesses have a powerful advocate that champions their interests and effectively engages with policy makers at all levels of government,” said Richard.
In speaking with attendees, he stressed the interdependence between a robust economy and the region’s social and community assets, highlighting the importance of all local businesses as drivers of prosperity.
The discussions during the event resonated with key components of the Chamber’s advocacy plans to address workforce development, enhance digital access and reliability, red tape simplification, and access to insurance and finance options for small enterprises.
We extend an invitation to all local businesses to join these transformative initiatives and become part of a supportive network that champions their interests. By collaborating with the Chamber, businesses can amplify their collective voice, and directly contribute to fostering a prosperous and resilient Whitsundays.
Acknowledgements
The Chamber would like to thank Whitsunday Creatives for hosting the event. Their ongoing commitment to the community and the Chamber’s initiatives exemplifies their dedication to fostering a vibrant business environment.
We would also like to thank Whitsunday Bites for the coffee run!
Chamber Takes Bold Steps in Business Advocacy