The Ayr Chamber of Commerce held their AGM last Thursday, October 12, reflecting on the previous year and discussing changes to promote the Chamber’s profile in the future.
President Leigh Kefford was elected for a second term and, reflecting on his first term, said mistakes were made.
“The executive team has recognised that, and we’ve got the foundations now set ready to go into the future,” he said.
“Everyone’s happy, energetic, and in the next few years, the chamber will thrive.”
Linda Butler and Laurinda George were both re-elected in their respective positions of Vice President and Secretary, while Lisa Kefford was elected as the incoming Treasurer.
“Congratulations to the Chamber on a successful year and thank you for your promotion of the business community,” said Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin.
Mr Kefford hopes to double the membership by this time next year, with the discussion of a name change hoping to promote a more inclusive Chamber.
A motion to change the Ayr Chamber of Commerce Incorporated’s trading name to Burdekin Chamber was carried unanimously by the executive committee.
“It shows us as the chamber for the Burdekin,” Mr Kefford said.
“Giru and Brandon don’t have a chamber at the moment, so we want to support the businesses in those areas as well.”
Mr Kefford said the Chamber has opted to omit the words ‘of Commerce’ from the name to appeal to a wider variety of not-for-profit organisations.
“Even though not-for-profits aren’t for commerce, they are wanting to be a part of the business community so it’s important for them to have membership as well,” he said.
During the AGM, a letter was read on behalf of Home Hill Chamber of Commerce opposing the name change.
“We want to keep our individual identity and we felt that having them change their name to Burdekin, it would encompass the whole Burdekin region,” Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Secretary Robert Antoniazzi said.
“That would mean that they would be involved in issues in Clare, Giru and Home Hill and they’re certainly not.
“We’ve had new members join so people want to become part of the Chamber.”
While corresponding with Mr Kefford, Mr Antoniazzi proposed that the two Chambers meet annually.
“I thought it would be good if, once a year, the two Chambers get together for a combined meeting, just meet each other and discuss common issues,” he said.
At their most recent counts, the Ayr Chamber of Commerce had 94 paid members and Home Hill 27.
Mr Kefford hopes to have the name change and rebrand in effect early in the new year.
Ayr Chamber Of Commerce President Leigh Kefford, Vice President Linda Butler, Executive Member Marissa Zanella and Treasurer Lisa Kefford
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