The returning Kiama & District Business Chamber President, Cameron McDonald of Carter Ferguson, says this year will see the Chamber more active on a variety of fronts.

“We’ve got an energetic new board keen to promote the interests of the business community,” he says.

“It brings together people with diverse skills and experience that the members can benefit from."

The other Board members are Kathryn O’Brien, Beach-side Emporium; Michael Emmett, Bluestone Building Group; Aaron Shelley, Project Dry Hire; Past President Marie Beikmanis; Cathryn Lyall, Seed Space Venture Capital; HR specialist Rachel Edwards; and Michael Cains, Pecora Dairy.

“We have assembled a very professional board and are hoping to take more of a leadership role in those things that are shaping our community,” says Mr McDonald.

To this end, the Chamber will be surveying its membership more regularly this year to gauge their opinion on issues affecting the business community.

“We want to be more involved in developing strategic direction for our area, to make sure it takes account of business realities,” says Mr McDonald, who is keen to work with Council’s CEO, Jane Stroud, on any reorganisation of Council’s Economic Development function.

The Chamber’s finances have been buoyed by their main source of income, the Kiama Seaside Market, returning in recent months.

Members can look forward to quarterly networking meetings, as well as the introduction of less formal monthly gatherings, training events, a meet and greet with the new councillors, the winter Buy Local campaign and a new website.

“New members are always welcome,” says Mr McDonald