President's Report 2023- 2024
16th September 2024
Dear esteemed members, distinguished sponsors & community leaders,
I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land we are on, the Dhalawal people, and pay my respects to elders past, present, and emerging. I am honoured to present this report, reflecting on the achievements, challenges, and future goals of the Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce over the past year. It has been a period marked by growth, community engagement, and collaboration.
Highlights
The Chamber has delivered on its commitment to support local businesses and drive economic growth. Notable events such as our Monthly Dinner Meetings, the Premier’s Luncheon, and the upcoming Macarthur Business Showcase have created platforms for vital networking opportunities, promoting the Chamber’s mission to facilitate discussions on key business trends, innovation, and community well-being, reinforcing the Chamber’s role as a cornerstone for regional development.
We had the pleasure of hosting the Premier’s Lunch earlier this year, which provided a significant platform for connecting with regional leaders from all three tiers of government and showcasing the Chamber’s role in shaping Campbelltown’s future and working in collaboration with other Chambers.
Another highlight is being named finalists in the WSABE (Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence), a testament to the hard work of our members and the Chamber’s ongoing dedication to business excellence. Membership has seen significant growth this year, with many new businesses joining our ranks. Our collaborations with local leaders and sponsors have further strengthened our influence and capacity to serve our community.
Challenges
While the year was full of successes, we also faced challenges. Rising operational costs, ongoing economic uncertainty, the shortage of manpower due to board members on leave, and the evolving needs of our members required us to adapt and remain flexible. However, we remained committed to supporting our community through these times by focusing on resilience and resourcefulness.
Looking Forward
As we look to the future, the Chamber is committed to broadening its impact on both the business community and the broader Campbelltown region. A key focus will be expanding business development programs, such as workshops and seminars that provide members with tools to adapt to the rapidly evolving marketplace. In particular, we will place a greater emphasis on digital transformation and innovation, encouraging local businesses to embrace new technologies that can enhance their operational efficiencies and customer engagement.
Furthermore, we will explore partnerships with technology providers and educational institutions to facilitate workforce upskilling for our members, ensuring that local businesses remain competitive.
The Macarthur Business Showcase will continue to be a platform for promoting local talent, and we intend to grow this event into one of the largest networking opportunities in the region.
Additionally, we aim to strengthen our ties with government bodies to ensure Campbelltown remains at the forefront of economic development initiatives in New South Wales. By encouraging collaborations with local councils and state government representatives, we can ensure that businesses in our region have access to the latest resources and support networks.
As always, community engagement will remain central to our mission. We are dedicated to deepening our involvement in social responsibility initiatives and continuing to support programs that benefit youth, education, and social well-being.
Through these efforts, we aim to enhance Campbelltown’s reputation not just as a business hub, but as a vibrant and supportive community where businesses and families thrive together. In summary, business innovation, government collaboration, community engagement, and workforce development are key components of the Chamber’s long-term vision.
Acknowledgments
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our members, whose faith in us to represent them, and their dedicated commitment, fuel our passion to contribute every moment. Your trust and belief in our vision keep us moving forward.
To my dedicated fellow Chamber board members, who have been my support structure throughout this journey—Daks Vyas, Leanne Di Fazio, David Hogan, Erin Keneally, and Vayshali Chandra—thank you for your invaluable gift of time and service to our community. Your dedication is the foundation of our collective success. A special thank you to our incredible admin manager, Jennifer Rodwell, who has ensure the smooth operation of our day-to-day activities.
To our esteemed sponsors and partners, your unwavering faith in us and continued support have been pivotal to our achievements. It is through your contributions and commitment to our shared goals that we are able to make a lasting, positive impact on our region.
I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to my family and my Alkalizer family, my incredible team. Thank you for allowing me to share a part of myself with the community, and for always going above and beyond to cover for me during the times I am away serving. Your understanding and support make it possible for me to give back, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge our life members for their ongoing guidance and support. Your wisdom and experience continue to inspire us as we move forward in shaping the future of our community. Thank you for always being there.
In Conclusion
Let’s advance ahead with unwavering determination, united not only in our businesses but in our commitment to our community and the promise of a brighter future. Together, we have the power to shape a shared legacy of success and lasting impact.
As we close, I’d like to share my all-time favourite quote by Henry Ford once again:
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
I urge each of you to stay involved, support one another, and be a part of the exciting journey ahead towards the success of our community.
Thank you.
Shefali Pall
President, 2023-2024
Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce
CONNECT – COLLABORATE – CULTIVATE