Business united by COVID-19

WITH the end of the financial year upon us, it is time to reflect.

The year tested us and continues to test us in a way we never imagined.

It was stressful, but we came together, united.

Chamber advocacy may never have been more important or critical.

Chamber colleagues around Queensland worked hand-inhand to fight for a better deal for the business community.

We fought for tax reform, fees and charges freezes, rates relief, wage subsidies and grants and incentives, just to name a few.

While we did not receive all that we advocated for, many wins were gained.

Locally, the Toowoomba Regional Council committed to an accelerated infrastructure program, an increased procurement focus for local contractors and suppliers and better payment terms and kicked off, the CBD review.

All tangible wins for the business community and warmly welcomed by chamber.

We thank our members and the business community in general for taking the time to identify what they needed so we could advocate for you.

At the same time, the chamber’s advisory committees connected on many levels.

Our Future Leader Network was on show, with our first virtual event, the New Normal.

The chamber’s Food and Agri Network launched the CBD Local Produce Map.

The CBD Revitalisation Advisory Committee was launched with a diverse mix of individuals from a variety of industry sectors.

And a Jobs Taskforce Roundtable was formed to take proactive steps to get to the bottom of the ever-fluctuating reports on employment levels in the region.

Most importantly, can I thank our valued sponsors and members for their ongoing support.

Without you, the chamber could not advocate for you.

You are appreciated and we are grateful.

I look forward to reconnecting, face-to-face at our, Let’s Connect Event next week, and a supercharged 2020-2021.