Membership

Events

Workshops

Directory &
Jobs Board

Membership

Events

Workshops

Directory &
Jobs Board

From the CEO

The region’s economy has been under the microscope all year, with the Chamber holding numerous appointments and conversations with those having a vested interest in this business community. Confidence in many sectors has been low, hence a conscious attempt has been made to stimulate the view that in the longer term, the economy will rebound. Stable school enrolments confirmed the core of the community remains strong. Those who have left the City during the past two years generally have been singles and couples who came for the abundance of well paid jobs that were on offer. Regardless of the soft economy, the Chamber has fielded many enquiries from those considering investment in the City.  They understand what they are dealing with which is a contrast to the good times when things can change very quickly.

The Chamber’s world has continued to diversify and hopefully this report will reflect some of that. It may surprise members but in my opinion the turmoil within the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission during the course of the year, not having a CEO for such a long time, has had a noticeable flow-on effect to the role of the KBCCI in regional development. The experience confirms the region must have a well-resourced GEDC as it has a key role to play within the business community. During the course of the year, the Goldfields-Esperance Blueprint was commenced.  A GEDC initiative, the Chamber had a key role in compiling the research due to its vast regional network and we were well supported by the Esperance CCI. Hopefully the completed work will be launched in the coming months.

Membership numbers have remained strong, though the ultimate target of 600 has not been achieved. Currently membership numbers hover around 500. The magic number would likely have been achieved had it not been for the cancellations that inevitably come with the economic times we have experienced.

Compiling the Chamber’s Annual Business Report consisted of visiting many businesses and sharing part of their day. This experience provided an in depth understanding of the good, the bad and the ugly of being in business in the current environment. We hear so much of the negative side of business, but what we don’t hear enough of is the innovation and creativity that’s happening in so many ways regardless of business sentiment.

In late 2013, the Chamber completed its bi-annual strategic business planning process. As a consequence, many changes have been implemented. Most of the change is not obvious, but when one compares the priorities with the previous two years, one can see there’s been considerable change in direction as outlined in Chamber President Lee Jacobsen’s report. The process confirmed the Chamber needed to add more value for its members. This directive has influenced numerous changes, including the CCIWA Service Agreement whereby members can take advantage of the broad suite of services only CCIWA can offer. The cost of these options has been absorbed by the KBCCI as part of your membership so members are encouraged to use it.

Another network the Chamber has tapped into in recent months, is the Australian Mines & Minerals Association. Most of their members are associated with the resource sector which will likely deliver dividends for KBCCI members as both relationships are strengthened. The long standing relationship with the Chamber of Minerals & Energy’s Eastern Regional Council’s network continues to function well with numerous joint ventures happening throughout the year. The City of Kalgoorlie–Boulder is obviously a core connection.

Identifying ways of tapping into various procurement systems and other means to generate business has been a constant during the past year. Unfortunately, a considerable amount of potential business for this community has been missed due to centralised purchasing systems. FIFO personnel on mine sites and poor policy associated with Government capital works programs combine to complicate gaining business opportunities. Online tendering systems are common place. Some are relatively complicated to navigate and for businesses with minimal resources that is a constant challenge. This continues to be a priority issue for the Chamber.

During the past eighteen months there has been a very positive change in the region’s health system. The GP Working Group, established to deal with the issue of doctor shortages and chaired by Member for Kalgoorlie Wendy Duncan, has had Chamber representation since its inception. The City now has in excess of thirty GPs. Waiting times are now realistic. The hospital’s emergency department is no longer under pressure and so much of this can be attributed to the Working Group.

Efforts to establish a Professionals Networking Group have continued throughout the year. The reason for establishing the group is driven by the need to retain professional personnel in the region. It is anticipated that the group, once established, will provide likeminded people with networking opportunities where they can share knowledge and compliment their chosen career.

The Chamber has engaged local business, Design Sense, to construct its new online directory and data management system. This is a major investment for the Chamber for its future commercial viability. The fact a local business was able to successfully compete with national companies and win the contract is very satisfying. It is likely the project will increase the capability of Design Sense and the flow-on effects to other Goldfields businesses will be an additional positive by-product.

To further underpin the sustainability of the Chamber, it has purchased another strata unit in O’Connor House. The original owners of the unit, the Roadnight family, have moved their business to their home. The Chamber now owns the majority of O’Connor House and conceivably, the remaining unit sometime in the future.

Being a-political has paid off with many State and Federal Politicians engaging with the Chamber throughout the year. Compared with years gone by, the region has attracted more significant decision makers from the political system.  

Following discussions with the Shire of Coolgardie, the Chamber co-hosted Business After Hours events in Coolgardie and Kambalda. The primary purpose for the events was to offer support to both business communities who are currently struggling with the soft economy. As we move toward 2015, efforts will be made to integrate the two locations into a composite Goldfields business environment to compliment the sustainability of all.

In its modern era the Chamber has become involved with events more than ever before. Each of our events continue to grow.  Sooner rather than later, a review of the trend will be required. Being mindful that the Goldfields Mining & Trades Expo is likely to be back in 2015, the events portfolio will continue to expand. This year the inaugural “Welcome to the Goldfields Community Expo” surpassed all expectations.  The Business & Employee Awards was one of the best attended ever, Spring Festival attracted a record number of stall holders and visitors and the What’s Down the Track Forum had more delegates than ever before. So if there was a feature of the Chamber’s year, it was without doubt the successful networking events calendar. In addition, the co-hosted Business After Hours events have doubled and trebled in size during the course of the year. Members voted with their feet, confirming the relevance of such networking opportunities.

Networks have dominated the Chamber’s role in recent times. There’s little doubt this Chamber has a vital role to play in holding the business and social fabric together.  

Another of the progressive networks the Chamber is associated with is the Regional Chambers of Commerce & Industry WA. This amazing business network has grown in mammoth proportions since two former KBCCI Presidents, Ron Mosby, President and Kitty Prodonovich, CEO, have taken leadership roles in the past two years. The RCCIWA network has grown to 41 individual regional Chambers. It’s the biggest regional Chamber network in Australia.

The region’s media has continued to provide strong support. It is a two-way street as the Chamber is the source of many newsworthy items and the Chamber’s views on topical issues is often considered relevant.

I would like to thank the Chamber’s devoted staff. There has been no turnover in staff in the past year, reflecting strong foundations of the KBCCI. To the administration team, Pam O’Donnell, Kylie Hahn, Natasha Caunt, Jessica Lang, Victoria Craig and the CCIWA members of our team, Kristy Clinch, Michelle Greening and Haley Eaton, thank you for your complete support. It’s been a productive year for the Chamber and as a team, you can take so much of the credit for making things happen. We have been well supported by Lee Jacobsen and the Executive. This would be one of the primary reasons why, at administration level, we gain so much satisfaction. We consider we are appreciated. To the Executive who continue to be my mentors, thank you; your wonderful support is sincerely appreciated.

In summary, without members the KBCCI would not exist. This Chamber continues to thrive and whilst our business community continues to support the Chamber, it will remain strong.  Our constant challenge is to remain a value proposition for you and hopefully that can be achieved.    

Regards,

Hugh Gallagher

KBCCI CEO