A new chapter for the Chamber
Thank you for the very warm welcome I’ve received since commencing as the new CEO of Bunbury Geographe CCI, and a big thank you to the outgoing CEO Julie Broad for her assistance and introductions over the last week.
In these early weeks I will be getting out and about to meet with members and stakeholders. Last week I had the opportunity to attend several events and council meetings, which have been invaluable in beginning to build relationships and better understand how we can support our members in their business, career, and community goals.
Thank you to those who were able to attend our Business After Hours event at Snooze Bunbury in the Homemaker Centre and the official opening of the Burlington Hotel Bar 51. Events like this are a strong reminder of the vital role retail and hospitality plays in shaping our region’s identity - not just for locals, but for visitors whose first impressions are often formed by their experience with these frontline businesses. Congratulations to Fiona Hutchinson and Brendan Craig for hosting a very successful evening and sharing your exciting plans for the hotel.
This weekend Bunbury is hosting the Matildas vs Panama friendly soccer match - a landmark event that is attracting national and international visitors and media to the region.
Sport and entertainment are key sectors in driving economic growth in communities like ours, creating job opportunities and supporting small businesses. Each event is an opportunity to strengthen our reputation in this space, and I am excited to see so many local businesses getting behind the Tillie’s. The shopfront competition will be judged on Saturday, so be sure to get your window dressings up…
As a former business owner, I’m particularly aware of the challenges businesses, especially small and emerging ones, face as they navigate growth, take on risk, and strive to establish themselves in the market.
With this in mind, I’m looking forward to the Bunbury Geographe Business Excellence Awards on August 16, where we’ll be celebrating those taking bold steps forward. Best of luck to all who entered!
One of our priorities over the coming weeks is to begin developing the new strategic plan for the Chamber. This will be an important process to define how we are positioned, opportunities for growth and the barriers that need to be addressed.
I’m looking forward to meeting more of you in the weeks ahead and inviting your input. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to connect and hear your views on how we can support your business.
Speak soon,
Sean
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