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From the Manager's desk

To All Members:

AGM 2008

Let me indulge myself by providing you with my reflection of the past 17 months or so from our last Annual General Meeting

The process of refocusing the Chamber and the depth of involvement required to manage such a dimension was much larger than originally expected. I daresay by many of the Executive Committee also. But it has been done and we have now travelled the path of renaming the Chamber to the Cumberland Business Chamber, with a broader regional basis. All local governments have seemed pleased with this decision and have embraced the changes wholeheartedly. Businesses have accepted and endeared the name change as a reflection of business networking for all members. These changes have opened doors for all professions within a broader geographic area.

I maintain at all time that this is the Members Association. The members and the elected committee of this Chamber will be the ones too forge ahead into a bigger dimension.

I especially wish to acknowledge the efforts of some of our members over the past few months as we entered into our new regime. Without the support from our "support partners" and other members, many of the activities of this Chamber would not be possible. As a not-for-profit association, the Chamber truly belongs to its members. Your fees support the professional activities of the Chamber; your input is what makes this Chamber grow.

Our Sponsors and support partners contribute heavily to the day to day operation of the CBC. They are to be greatly thanked and publicly acknowledged for their commitment. Without this support we cannot grow. The task of being a change agent is not always easy and sometimes creates angst among members. Some just want to stay the same, some will leave. For those who have embraced the changes and for those who are still coming to terms with the changes, I can assure you that the CBC is growing rapidly with much enthusiasm from its members, committee, support partners and local Councils. Over the past 17 months or we have tripled in size.

I know that as we enter a new year and a new committee,my job will be once again to secure the team and focus them on the road ahead. The past few months have not been without difficulty; it has at times, been like wrestling an octopus, or herding cats. As the General Manager I not only have the task of the day to day operations of the Chamber but also to manage and direct the Executive Committee whilst they maintain their individuality on the focus and direction of the Chamber. The road has at times been a challenge and no doubt there will continue to be times of challenges, but yes it has been fun and my endeavours will be to continue to make it fun for all.

Some of the committee will leave us this at the time of the AGM, due to their own work commitments, others new to the Chamber as members and Executive team will join us. A normal process of evolution.

I welcome the new and say farewell to the old (well exiting) committee members. As a personal acknowledgement I wish to thank the Executive committee for their support, encouragement and hard work over the past 17 months

From the
Manager’s desk
Regards,

Narelle Stoker
General Manager