November 13, 2013
There’s two new faces on the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s executive following its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday night.
President Rod Steele (McDonalds Kingaroy), Vice President Shannon Scott (Taste South Burnett) and Secretary Paula Greenwood (Paula Greenwood Mobile Book-Keeping) will continue in their current roles, but Vic Collins (Burnett Business Centre) will assume the position of Treasurer from John Carey, who is standing down due to a change in his work schedule.
2014 KCCI committee members re-elected were Nina Temperton (South Burnett CTC), Chrys McDuffie (Downer EDI) and Josh Gadischke (Proteco Gold Pty Ltd). Tim Harris (Commercial Hotel) has joined the committee.
In his President’s Report, Rod Steele said that the South Burnett had weathered a difficult year with the 2013 floods; the partial closure of the Blackbutt Range road; and the mothballing of two power generators at Stanwell.
He also said he’d like to see more primary producers join the organisation.
“Farmers are small businesses, too,” he said.
But he was pleased to report that KCCI membership had grown by 6 per cent over the previous 12 months and attendances at the Chamber’s six-weekly Meet’n’Greets had grown from an average of 15 to between 30 to 50 this year.
“From my point of view the South Burnett is now perfectly positioned for growth,” he said.
“We have a new State Government, a new Federal Government and a Council that is keen to see our region grow.”
Mr Steele said he felt one of the South Burnett’s biggest strengths was its livability and lifestyle, and believed that was a major feature that would help the area continue to attract new residents.
Treasurer John Carey, handing down his report, said the Chamber was “in good shape” and regretted that after many years in the role, recent changes in his work arrangements meant he was unable to attend meetings as regularly as the Treasurer’s job demanded.
SBRC Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said the Council was currently undertaking an upgrade of Nanango’s CBD; would be spending more than $1 million on the project; and that work was proceeding well.
The next major urban refurbishment project the Council wanted to undertake was Kingaroy’s CBD, and a number of forums will be held next year to gather public input and ideas about it.
He said the Council wanted the business community to be involved in this process, and encouraged KCCI members to take part.
Mayor Kratzmann also praised Mr Carey for his many years of involvement with the Chamber, and Rod Steele for his drive and dedication to turning the organisation around.
“Rod believes that for Kingaroy to go ahead, the whole South Burnett has to go ahead, too,” he said.
“The Chamber wouldn’t be where it is today without his drive and dedication.”
The AGM was followed by a barbecue.
The KCCI’s next function will be a Meet’n’Greet on Monday, February 3, at a venue yet to be announced.
