In a move aimed at revitalising business engagement and fostering growth, the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced several changes to the organisation, including the adoption of a new name and a new partnership.
The centrepiece of the changes is a name change for the chamber to the Greater Shepparton Business Network, which was unveiled on Tuesday, May 9 at the chamber’s inaugural networking event at the new Foott facility in Carroll Rd, Shepparton.
“We have created a new name under the banner of the Chamber of Commerce, a new partnership with the Victorian Chamber, and we have a new membership prospectus,” chamber president John Anderson said.
Mr Anderson said the new approach would take networking events to the location of businesses themselves.
“We decided that the best way to engage with current members and attract new ones is to host networking events, such as this, in the very building in which we want to promote business,” he said.
“It is much more relevant to be here, to see, to feel, to smell.”
Mr Anderson said the GSBN would aim to reach beyond the limitations of the city’s municipal boundaries and extend its reach to a broader regional network.
Chamber board member Stephen Schneider said the changes aimed to address the evolving needs of businesses, whether large or small, in the complex and rapidly shifting landscape of employment, industrial relations, human resources and wellbeing.
“Over the past 18 months, we’ve been working hard to enhance the experience for our customers and business operators,” Mr Schneider said.
“Our role in working closely with the Victorian Chamber is to fill the void and provide businesses, from single operators to large organisations, with a variety of resources that comply with the ever-changing rules and regulations in Victoria.”
Mr Schneider also said the network was committed to hosting events in Shepparton, Mooroopna and Tatura.
One of the most significant developments arising from the GSBN’s transformation is its partnership with the Victorian Chamber, a prominent advocacy group with a wide-ranging influence throughout Victoria.
Victorian Chamber of Commerce member partner Simon Rutkowski said the collaboration reflected its commitment to the whole of the state.
“The Victorian Chamber is the largest advocacy group with influence across Victoria and the widest network,” he said.
“This partnership presents a great opportunity to grow your region, connect with each other, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of regulations.
“Our role is to support and assist businesses in various ways, be it in terms of growth, training, auditing, HR advice, or making day-to-day operations easier.”
Each member of the network gains access to Mr Rutkowski, who will provide guidance and assistance in leveraging the “suite” of resources available to businesses.