Business community unites with one voice
Individual business groups in a number of towns in Baw Baw Shire are combining their efforts to provide a single voice and representation to advocate at local, regional and state levels.
The Independent Business Council of Baw Baw will encompass the Warragul and Drouin and surrounds business groups, Trafalgar Chamber of Commerce, Noojee Community Tourism and Business, Yarragon Business Association and Neerim District Progress Association.
Co-ordinator and a member of the foundation committee Angela Betheras said the council would be the area’s “business champion”.
“It will be an organisation for local business groups to connect, network and share ideas, lobby for the region and find the support and programs needed to thrive and prosper”.
Wherever possible organisations would be encouraged to collaborate on mutually relevant issues and avoid redundancy and duplication of resources, she said.
The not-for-profit membership-based group will be launched next month and the first official meeting of the incorporated Council is scheduled for next February.
Expressions of interest are being sought from within the local community for an independent chairperson.
Individual businesses that are members of the six foundation organisations will be automatically represented on the Council through their local business group membership.
Council meetings will be open to all member businesses but each business group will have only one vote at meetings.