Emily Chapman Laing
March will see the re-emergence of the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce (CCC) – after their Covid “hibernation” period – one which comes with a new face.
Newly appointed chamber president Ian Wood will give the keynote speech at the upcoming We Are Stronger Together event on Tuesday 28 March at 7pm.
“It’s a new year and [we are ready] to ramp it up and get it going and growing,” Mr Wood said.
“The more people that get involved the better.”
The long-time local has lived in the area for almost 25 years, which has given him insight into the challenges Cranbourne businesses face.
“I see the issues,” he said.
“I can testify to the traffic issues, I’m out and about, I talk to a lot of people.”
Mr Wood has courageously taken over the presidency from Jeremy Dart, despite running his own business, caring for his family and battling skin cancer.
“It’s been a bit daunting,” he admitted.
“I’m trying to be patient and do things as I can.
“The committee has been great, they’ve been very helpful.”
After a lull in the chamber during the pandemic, the group is looking forward to bringing important networks and support services back to local businesses.
“We’ve started from scratch again and tried to build [the chamber] back up.
“It’s going to be business-focused and membership fees have been set very low.
“I’m going to try and get around as many people as I can.
“Hopefully with this event, the enthusiasm, the revving it up, we’ll see more people involved.”
While he only plans to hold the presidency for one year or so, Mr Wood has been rallying local politicians, police and businesses to ensure the chamber’s success in 2023.
The CCC is promoting “equal opportunities for businesses”, “meaningful and relevant” support for members and an “achievement-focused” approach as they “embrace the diversity” of the Cranbourne business community.
Mr Wood is excited to then see younger members in the chamber step up.
“They are the people we want to run the chamber going forward.
“Fresh perspective, new ideas. This is what we need.”
With new vice president Judy Davis joining Mr Wood in the reignition of the chamber, 2023 is set to see a more “proactive” commerce scene, centered on “local businesses and local issues”, chiefly the concerns business owners have around crime rates in the area.
“The crime is a problem in this area,” Mr Wood said.
“Talking to local police and local businesses is big.”
With Mr Wood leading the way, and a “passionate” committee in tow, businesses are being encouraged to join the chamber for their only free event of the year.
The We Are Stronger Together event, to be held at CCC 2022 Local Business of the Year L’Arte Central Cafe, is a chance for local business owners to gather, network, share ideas and find referral partners.
Mr Wood stressed the need for business representatives to gather face-to-face.
“We’re planning five events this year, to get people face-to-face,” he said.
“Getting people in a big group to talk, exchange ideas, exchange business cards.”
The event will host guest speaker CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia Mark Watt, who works to give at-risk young people positive role models and vital social support.
Mr Wood says registrations are essential, as 20 spaces for the event have been taken since registrations opened, half of the expected attendance for the event.
The CCC is hoping to reach 100 member registrations in 2023.
