Narre Warren Chamber of Commerce treasurer Richard Edwards and president Bob Burns are making an impassioned plea for more members to come on board before the group folds. 21900 Picture: Meagan Rogers.By Callan Date
NARRE WARREN Chamber of Commerce will fold if new members don’t join within the next few months.
Chamber president Bob Burns outlined the grim reality at the group’s business breakfast meeting this week.
Although membership is at its highest level in several years, Mr Burns said more representatives were needed to attend meetings and help the committee.
“We are now at a critical stage of the chamber’s life – whether it has a life or not is entirely up to the membership,” Mr Burns said.
He said the chamber had not been able to hold an effective executive meeting since May, due to a lack of quorum.
“At present, the chamber has no secretary; the president and treasurer are both retired; the treasurer is leaving the area next year to focus more on his travel activities.”
The chamber was established in 1997 after it was developed from the original Webb Street Traders Association.
Mr Burns said the chamber represented more than just Webb Street businesses.
He said it involved businesses, as well as community organisations, operating out of the Narre Warren Lifestyle Centre, Super Centre, Casey Gardens, Amberley Park Shopping Centre and Vesper Drive area.
“Long-term, the chamber needs to develop as a business with paid personnel if it is to be effective and successful. To do this it needs to firstly grow its membership considerably.”
The City of Casey is helping out and is working closely with the chamber executive on various fronts, the president said.
About $30,000 has been earmarked for the commencement of a plan to revitalise the Webb Street precinct.
Casey team leader of city strategy Asok Rao spoke at the breakfast about the need for a strong chamber presence.
But judgement day will come on 24 November when the group meets for its AGM.
“A contribution of one to two hours per month by a number of people would make the difference.
“No contributions will see the chamber fold as it cannot continue without active support of the members.”
Mr Burns said it was time for Narre Warren traders to stand up and be counted.
“The most important message is that small business now has an opportunity to have a say and an influence on what develops, but they need to step forward and put their complaints into positive actions.”
