Monday 19 September 2011

Mossman Chamber gone, is Port's next?

: Mossman Chamber has closed due to a lack of support from local business.

The Mossman Chamber of Commerce has closed after every board position bar the president went unfilled at last Wednesday's AGM.

Former Secretary, Wendy Casey, said in a Letter to the Editor on The Newsport that the Chamber had been struggiling for some time.

"The outgoing committee moved to close the Mossman Chamber of Commerce due to lack of support from the local business community.

"This was the same position presented at last year's AGM, until a crisis meeting was held which resulted in the current committee but member numbers have dwindled and this year meetings and networking events still showed little support.

"Unfortunately, the Chamber has been struggling for a number of years and we felt it best to put it to an end than to try and commit further efforts in resurrecting it again."

As a result of the closure questions now arise as to the state of health of the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce, and could the same fate befall this organisation?

Both Chambers have relatively small membership numbers - Mossman Chamber lists around 50 on their website although only 30 were financial, while Port's is around 60.

Port Chamber president, Ken Dobbs, said it is not out of the realms of possibility.

"It's unfortunate. However, it reflects the views of the businesses in Mossman that they don't believe that there is a need for a lobby group.

"There are lessons for Port Douglas because Port Douglas, while it is a bigger business community, it is still just as apathetic really.

"It's just that it happens that the 60 or so businesses that are members, and there are some bigger issues that perhaps unite us a little bit more.

"The lesson is that if people don't support these organisations, whether it be the Chamber or other organisations, that's what happens.

"Their membership isn't far behind Port Douglas'. They just didn't have the number of members to step forward and do something."

Representatives from both Chambers said that the possibility of a merger between the two organisations had been raised from time to time, however it appears unlikely this will occur.

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Ken Dobbs, 28-09-11 15:35:

In response to Richard's comment, it appears Richard is not a Chamber member otherwise he would be aware that Chamber members recieve regular information regarding training opportunities, functions, surveys and various other matters. In the last 12 months there has been only one request for financial support from members and the business community and that was for New Year' Eve Fireworks and Christmas celebrations. In this situation we are not holding our hand out for the Chamber, we are holding it out to provide a celebration for the community which also benefits the businesses of Port. Chamber committee members receive no remuneration and our financial statements for 2010/2011 will be available to members at the upcoming AGM on 26 October 2011.

Thomas , 27-09-11 17:09:

I agree with Richard 100%
I had a shop in Mossman, one day the president and secretary of the (previous) chamber came in, and asked me for $ 50.00 for a year membership, and that was the last I heard of them for a year when they sent just and email asking to renew the membership. Unfortunately they are not the only ones, as far as I am concerned several other organizations in the area only pop up their heads when they need money.

Frank Frikker, 21-09-11 21:26:

Any chamber of commerce only makes sense if there is a business community that wants one and sees the benefit of having that sort of lobby organization. The message in Mossman is clear for the 2nd time. Why? One can only speculate as no one comes forward and argues. One reason could be that the majority don't understand the benefits of such organization. But I guess it is rather because issues are handled within large family groups and teaming up with others, even for a good cause, isn't really there thing. If this is wrong, then please someone speak up.
Like many other organization the chambers are run by volunteers and it is very easy to complain about what they did or didn't do. These volunteers already engage for the better of their community. They deserve more than simple criticism. Get involved and change the things you don't like. On the other hand some committees fall in love with themselves and don't really want others to interfere. Why for example are the meetings in Port closed. Mossman held open meetings inviting all to come, listen and also have a say.

Richard , 19-09-11 11:36:

"The outgoing committee moved to close the Mossman Chamber of Commerce due to lack of support from the local business community."

This is similar to Port Douglas. However, the reason there is a perceived lack of support in Port Douglas is that the only time we hear from the Chamber is when they want money for something.

The business community supports a venture that has a reason or purpose. If the Chamber were to lift their profile and show a purpose for being, then I am sure the business community would support them better.