In just 14 weeks’ time, Chamber members will gather for the formalities of the Annual General Meeting and the all-important election of a new President and Committee.
The new incumbents will be responsible for the Chamber’s ongoing development, building on the foundations of many terms past – but re-moulding activities and purpose according to current needs and opportunities.
Committee service is something all members should be prepared to undertake at some point. It does involve some commitment, but it need not be excessive. There are various benefits including raised profiles and, of course, the satisfaction of ‘giving something back’ to the local business community.
Much of the Chamber’s strength lies in the diversity of its membership and among every Committee’s challenges is to promote networking among members – to encourage a ‘buy local’ attitude in all sectors of the economy. Another challenge is to attract new members into the Chamber.
This year marks the end of a two-year presidential term, so for AGM in April we need nominations for President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and four ordinary Committee members.
The only real qualification is that the nominees’ businesses must be paid-up members.
Going forward it would be good to see a wide representation of local business sectors.
I would encourage all member businesses to consider suggesting a suitably senior person for service on the Committee. There are many members who have yet to take a turn on Committee service – and there may be others who have served in the past but are willing to stand again.
If you are interested in a Committee role, or would like more information, please get in touch with me as soon as possible. Technically, nominations (or applications) for the Committee should be in by the end of February, so there is some urgency.
David Goddin
President