Members of the Narre Warren Chamber of Commerce Rae West, Ross Neilson, David Wereszczuk, Tim Allan, Paul Stemson, president Bob Burns, Sjaak Kusters and Paul Jones celebrate the increase in chamber memberships. Treasurer Richard Edwards is not pictured. Picture: Meagan Rogers
By Kelly Yates
MEMBERS of the Narre Warren Chamber of Commerce began door knocking this week in an effort to improve dwindling numbers.
President Bob Burns combed Webb Street in search of local businesses wanting to serve on the committee.
He warned of the possibility of the chamber folding up when he spoke to the News in August.
“Although membership is at its highest level in several years, we need more representatives to attend meetings and help the committee,” he said.
“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 confirmed this week that the chamber would continue operating, with an improvement to its numbers. Currently, there are 27 members.
“The Narre Warren Chamber of Commerce definitely has a future as we have committed people on the committee,” he said.
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. The chamber is pushing for multi storey commuter parking at the Narre Warren Railway Station.
“Council has agreed to commence development of the urban design framework plan, which is a long term plan for the precinct,” he said.
Ideally, Mr Burns said, Webb Street needed a major supermarket, a shopping mall and several alfresco cafes.
“We don’t want to duplicate Berwick but we do want a family friendly environment in Narre Warren,” he said.
Mr Burns said the chamber also wanted to hold real estate and food expos to draw the community back to Webb Street.
The Narre Warren Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual general meeting on 24 November, with guest speaker Paul Jones. For more information about the Narre Warren Chamber of Commerce call president Bob Burns on 8786 8880.
