VICTORIAN Regional Chamber Alliance (VRCA) chair Jodie Gillett wants the State Government to provide more support to regional and local chambers of commerce.<\/p>\n
Ms Gillett, who is also CEO of Commerce Ballarat, recently released a formal statement outlining why chambers need help.<\/p>\n
She has written to Premier Jacinta Allan and relevant ministers, local MPs and the opposition detailing what she described as a lack of fundamental support for chambers of commerce.<\/p>\n
In the statement, Ms Gillett said that lack of support was \u201cparticularly potent\u201d in regional and rural communities.<\/p>\n
She said the economic situation facing regional businesses was \u201cdire\u201d \u2013 and chambers of commerce were in a similar position.<\/p>\n
\u201cChambers of commerce serve as a critical touchpoint for business owners seeking advice, development opportunities, networking, and business resources,\u201d Ms Gillett said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are an important link between businesses and all levels of government, advocating for policy and recognition where small enterprise lacks a voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cChambers of commerce are lacking fundamental support to continue their purpose. In rural and regional communities, this fact is particularly potent.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusinesses in this space often have different needs, resources, and clientele.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bendigo\u2019s peak business advocacy organisation, Be.Bendigo, is a member of the alliance and was approached for comment but declined.<\/p>\n
Ms Gillett said the VRCA wanted to remind government of the needs of small chambers and trade groups, as well as \u201cthe absolute value of funding local rather than national and state bodies\u201d.<\/p>\n
She said the State Government had recognised the value of chambers during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 by implementing a program of grants for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was recognised that investing in the boots on the ground was a far more effective use of dollars,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is equally acknowledged in The Small Business Friendly Charter, which emphasises supporting local business networks.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe consensus among Victorian regional businesses is that the current economic situation is dire, and chambers are equally stretched.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Gillett said that with reduced sponsorship and membership due to the economy, it was becoming increasingly difficult to support local businesses \u2013 which she described as the engine rooms of local economies \u2013 without government support.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe often observe funds being directed to national and state initiatives to deliver programs,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst we acknowledge the value of a systemic, wide-ranging approach we cannot help but emphasis the equal value in funding local organisations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis investment would not only keep regional chambers operational but would also ensure small businesses have the immediate resources required to thrive \u2013 and even grow.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
VICTORIAN Regional Chamber Alliance (VRCA) chair Jodie Gillett wants the State Government to provide more support to regional and local chambers of commerce. Ms Gillett, who is also CEO of Commerce Ballarat, recently released a formal statement outlining why chambers need help. She has written to Premier Jacinta Allan and relevant ministers, local MPs and […]<\/p>\n