We're Here to Help

It seems fitting that my first year as CEO has coincided with the end of the financial year.

Last week marked 12 months in the role and, as we closed the books on another year, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on what we've achieved and, more importantly, the value we've delivered to our members.

From a financial perspective, I'm pleased to say we're expecting to finish the year with a healthy surplus, subject to our annual audit. That's encouraging, but financial performance is only one measure of success.

The bigger question I ask myself is: have we made a meaningful difference?

I also encourage our members to ask a similar question. Has your Chamber membership delivered value this year? Has it opened doors, created connections, provided knowledge or helped your business navigate challenges?

Early in my time here I wrote that the greatest challenge for any Chamber of Commerce is remaining relevant. I still believe that's true. Businesses have more demands on their time and more places to seek information than ever before. Our role is to ensure the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce remains an essential resource for our business community.

Having spent time as both a business owner and publisher in the business-to-business media and events sector, joining a member organisation felt like a natural progression. What I didn't fully appreciate was the breadth of the role. A Chamber isn't simply an events organisation or networking group. It sits at the centre of the business community, connecting people, advocating for better policy and helping shape the future of our region.

Next year, the Chamber will celebrate an incredible milestone: 130 years of supporting business.

Think about what our predecessors have witnessed since 1897. Two World Wars. The Great Depression. The growth of Bunbury Port. The industrial expansion of the South West. The resources boom. The rise of the internet. COVID-19. And now, Artificial Intelligence.

Every generation has faced uncertainty. Every generation has adapted.

That gives me confidence that while the challenges ahead will undoubtedly be different, our business community will continue to do what it has always done: innovate, collaborate and move forward.

One thing history also tells us is that strong business communities don't happen by accident. They need organisations prepared to bring businesses together and represent their interests.

That's where the Chamber comes in.

Our purpose is simple: to drive business connection, knowledge and advocacy.

Our networking events, leadership programs, workshops and training are the most visible part of what we do. They create opportunities to learn, build relationships and grow businesses.

The advocacy work, however, often happens behind the scenes.

At the moment, for example, we're advocating for an increase to Western Australia's payroll tax threshold from $1 million to $1.3 million. Recently, we met with Premier Roger Cook and members of the State Cabinet to discuss this and a range of other issues affecting businesses in our region.

We're also an active member of the Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry WA (RCCIWA), representing 44 regional Chambers across the State. By working together, we amplify the voices of regional businesses. Often, the challenges facing Bunbury are the same as those being experienced in Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie or Karratha. Together, we're able to present a stronger, united case to government and ensure regional business is heard.

Advocacy has perhaps never been more important.

The regional media landscape has changed significantly over the past decade. Fewer journalists are available to attend council meetings, scrutinise decisions or consistently report on issues affecting local business. That's no criticism of those still doing the job, they continue to provide an invaluable service despite enormous pressures on the industry.

It does, however, create an opportunity and a responsibility for organisations like ours.

As an independent, apolitical organisation, the Chamber exists to represent business. We advocate for better policy, stronger infrastructure, sustainable economic growth and the long-term prosperity of our region. We won't always agree with every decision made by governments or other organisations, but where issues affect local business, we'll continue to speak up.

Ultimately, that's why the Chamber has remained relevant for almost 130 years.

We're here to connect businesses. We're here to share knowledge. And when it matters most, we're here to be your voice.

Sean McKeown

Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ceo@bgcci.com.au