Sutherland Shire business owners turned out in force on Tuesday night, to support the launch of the new Sutherland Shire Business Chamber at Highfield, Caringbah.
More than 80 shire business owners mixed with local, state and federal politicians and senior representatives from the NSW Business Chamber to hear more about the chamber’s plans.
To solidify and expand local presence and to strengthen local business representation, the Miranda and Districts, Engadine and Menai and Sutherland business chambers merged into the one company – the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber (SSBC).
In launching the new chamber, inaugural president, Joanne Ryan, said the chamber needs to better market the shire as a place to do business.
“We live in the most beautiful place in Sydney and if you asked anybody on a train or sitting in traffic whether they would like to work closer to home, the answer would be yes,” Ms Ryan said.
“Technology means that most businesses can set up and operate outside of the CBD.
“We really need to market our area as a great place to do business, to promote opportunities for people and to attract and retain talent.”
Sutherland Shire deputy mayor Peter Scaysbrook said the council was looking forward to working with the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber on a new Economic Development strategy.
Both the NSW Attorney General, Cronulla MP Mark Speakman, and Federal Treasurer, Cook MP Scott Morrison, welcomed the move to consolidate business chambers, highlighting the ability liaise with a single representative group as a positive move that made sense.
The new entity will offer membership to businesses wishing to join a chamber that represents the entire local government area.
Local businesses and community members can find out more and join the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber at sutherlandshirebusiness.com.au
