Building a stronger, more-connected membership base is high on the list of priorities for new Moree Chamber of Commerce president Nicole Fitzgerald.
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As someone who has lived in Moree for most of her life, with a background in nursing, community services, counselling, an electrical contracting business with husband Otto Drenkhahn and even beekeeping, Nicole joined the Chamber as a passionate local.
“People are concerned about the direction our town is heading, we acknowledge we have the same social issues as all towns and cities.
“I want to be proactive and look at what we do have, areas we excel in.
“Moree has the most extraordinary people here; so many brilliant business people, artisans, artist and creative people,” she said.
Nicole said the issue of empty shop fronts was not just secluded to rural/regional areas, but also major capital cities.
Looking at the possibility of displaying local artworks in empty shop fronts was one suggestion from the new president.
“My priority at the moment is building our membership base. We need more members with a focus on solutions and provide feedback to our community ” she said.
Nicole said members can access legal advice, energy saving and reduced costs ideas, human resources support and assistance with recruitment and training through the NSW Business Chamber.
With more members, the chamber will be able to have greater input with council.
“We want to be advocates for local businesses especially to assist council,” she said.
Nicole would also like to focus on “building on what the town already has”.
“The plan has been to build a website with a full business directory to give our local businesses a platform.
“We’ll also create a what’s on of events to entice people to town and allow better cohesion for businesses planning local events,” she said.
The chamber would like to see more tradespeople involved, as well as motels and restaurants.
“We know it’s hard to get the time to come to meetings, but we keep them short and to the point.
“It’s our community and our businesses, be involved, be motivated to find outcomes and solutions.
Membership currently only $20 per year and business owners can easily pick up a membership application form from Dibs Cush at Robins Nest in Heber Street.