An organisation that has promoted collaboration and co-operation between Sunshine Coast businesses networks will disband from February.
The Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance, which was formed in 2012, will close after achieving its goals of providing a collective voice for the many chambers of commerce across the region.
“We are very proud to have driven some instrumental changes and collaboration across a range of areas including business mentoring and networking, as well as providing resources and assistance to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises throughout the region, as well as growing the Sunshine Coast Business Awards to the exceptional vehicle for business recognition it has become,” Chamber Alliance chair Wallis Westbrook said.
“Since 2012, the various chambers and business networks in the region had continued to grow, communicating and working together to achieve great outcomes for the region’s economy and community.”
Since 2018 the Chamber Alliance has run the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, which will continue into the future.
“In closing the Chamber Alliance we have assured the future of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards by creating an independent not-for-profit entity to continue this great work in our community,” Mr Westbrook said.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards chair Jennifer Swaine said the awards would continue with an annual program, culminating in its annual gala.
“2023 will be the 28th year that the awards has been held in the region and the prestige and benefits of the program are well recognised,” she said.
“The volunteer awards committee is committed to continuing to develop the awards program and we are already working on some exciting plans for the 2023 program, which will launch and open to entries in May during Queensland Small Business Month.”
Mr Westbrook and Mrs Swaine announced the decision following a resolution at the general meeting of the Chamber Alliance on January 18.
Mr Westbrook said the Chamber Alliance commissioned an independent review by business consultants BDO in 2021, and following that review and after consultation with members about options for its future, it was determined that the same mentoring, networking and business development benefits could be achieved through the existing network of chambers of commerce and business networks across the region.
Click here to find out more about the Sunshine Coast Business Awards. Entries will open in May.
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