City of Casey councillor Amanda Stapledon with the new Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce committee, from left, secretary Di Wyatt, outgoing president Nick Morgione, president Mark Carusi, committee member Richard Baker, vice president Chris Russell and committee member Neil Bainbridge.
By Bridget Cook
LOCAL accountant Mark Carusi has taken on the top role to lead the voice of the Cranbourne business community.
Last Wednesday, the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce (CCC) held its Annual General Meeting, with Mr Carusi, from MPC Consolidated in Cranbourne, being elected as the president.
More than 50 people turned out the AGM dinner held at Trios Cabaret, with author and motivational speaker Rita Hartney entertaining the crowd as the guest speaker.
Mr Carusi said he put his hand up for the job as he wanted to make a contribution and assist in raising people’s awareness that the CCC is an active and vibrant body that represents their community and business interests.
“It’s my belief that the chamber needs to represent the grass roots and have a strong voice, provide leadership and definitely create a presence in Cranbourne and my perception was that this wasn’t quite happening,” he said.
Mr Carusi said he felt that the local business community believed that the CCC was not acting on feedback and adequately representing Cranbourne.
“In fact, it’s my belief that sometimes we in Cranbourne do not receive the recognition and support that we require which is crazy considering the massive changes and opportunities that have transpired and are before us,” he said.
“We have a chair within Casey council and it’s my intention to take full advantage of that and tap into their resources and networks which can only benefit the Cranbourne community.
“If we want things to change, then we need to take an interest in making a change.
“This is ever more important as within the next 12 months, we’ll see the establishment and launch of the Casey Business Group.
“Grass roots business needs a voice and it’s my intention to provide that, to the best of my abilities.”
Outgoing president Nick Morgione thanked the committee and members for their support over the past 12 months.
“It’s been an interesting year,” he said.
“We have particularly been working on the Casey Business Group – growing that to fruition with the council.
“I have really enjoyed myself in the past 12 months in this position.
“It’s been a great year and hopefully it’s a bigger and better year next year.
“Without the CCC, there’s no voice for the Cranbourne.”
Chris Russell was reappointed to the position of vice president and Di Wyatt as secretary again.
Mr Morgione, Richard Baker and Neil Bainbridge were elected to the CCC general committee.
Ms Hartney was a highlight of the dinner, providing a motivational talk.
“I like talking about the journey of life,” she said.
“Life is all about enjoying the journey.
“We work and we slave away, and then we realise we haven’t stopped to smell the roses.
“I’ve had an awesome life. In my head I’m 38, but my body is 78.”
Ms Hartney shared with the group her seven steps to ensuring they make the most out of life.
She said that one was having a sense of direction and two was to have a complete understanding of the way you think and your attitude.
Having clarity, courage and enthusiasm were also on the list.
“You need to come out of your comfort zone at least once a day,” she said.
“It’s all about enjoying life.”
The other two points on her list were having self-confidence and self-acceptance.
“Life is such an incredible journey, and we have no idea when it ends,” she said.
“So wake up, seize the day and start the first chapter of your journey today.”
