Chamber's good work continues

TONIGHT was the annual general meeting of the Derwent Valley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which I attended as the council representative. As a former secretary of the chamber, I was pleased to hear of this organisation's continued good work as the peak representative body of businesses in our region.

One of the chamber's major initiatives in the last year was the negotiating of a security contract for the New Norfolk central business district. By working co-operatively, businesses have been able to obtain overnight security at a cheaper rate than if they obtained security individually. Management of this process has been handed over to an independent committee, which makes good sense in itself.

The Derwent Valley Business and Services Directory is another great initiative of the chamber. Some years ago the chamber enlisted the Derwent Valley Online Access Centre to produce the directory on its behalf. I was pleased to hear that this successful partnership continues to this day. I understand the next edition is almost ready for printing. In the new year I will represent the chamber in discussions with the online centre about further enhancing the usefulness of this valuable publication.

Congratulations to Laurelle Grimley who was returned as president of the chamber, and Faye Windsor who was elected vice-president and will be acting president Mrs Grimley's absence over the next few months. Mark Bennett and Janet Biggar were returned as secretary and treasurer respectively. Elected to the general committee were Greg Hudson and Ray Williams, and myself as the council representative. Solictor Steve Dixon continues as public officer.