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Building on Foundations and Expanding Member Benefits Currently in its 111th year, the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce & Industry has played an important role in shaping the city and laying the foundation for the “voice of business”. The Chamber’s future will build on those foundations and expand member benefits. According to President of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Geoff McDonald, studies show that up to 87 per cent of business deals occur as a result of networking relationships “Networking is listed as a big benefit by members but the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce & Industry also offers a range of other benefits including advocacy, high profile educational guest speakers, workshops and member discounts,” he said. “Future benefits will include more research, education and training as well as mentoring.” “The Chamber has an important role in conducting and analyzing research,” he said. “We need to conduct our own research so that we make appropriate representation on issues. We also need to keep up with the other research that is currently being conducted by many local, state and national organizations. We’re eager to know the results of everyone’s research so that we can collate data and create an accurate picture of the city. “Education is important on several levels,” he said. “Firstly we’re keen to provide education and training opportunities for our members which will go beyond guest speakers to formal lectures and workshops. We also need to strengthen our links with a range of educational institutions to ensure that our members have the best access to them and that the institutions are truly familiar with local industry trends. “Mentoring may be conducted through a Business Enterprise Centre which is currently on our agenda. We’re in the process of solid research on all aspects of implementing a Business Enterprise Centre and also business incubators.” As a member of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce & Industry, you have access to a range of services which can add to the scope of your enterprise. These include:
Networking Opportunities
As a member, you can attend a number of networking activities as a guest of the Chamber or for a nominal fee. These activities are held regularly, and provide you with an opportunity to mix with other Chamber members, to share information and make contacts.
Business Breakfasts/Luncheons
Your Chamber hosts a monthly Business Breakfast or Luncheon at Picnic Point Function Centre. High profile, educational speakers frequently attract in excess of 150 guests and offer opportunities for members to continually expand their business networks and to learn valuable business skills and lessons at the same time.
These events are open to the public and members are encouraged to bring along clients and colleagues
Business at Dusk
The Chamber also hosts a quarterly Business at Dusk networking event strictly for members only. These are a free networking event that encourage members to network in a fun, informal environment
Remarkable rates package from the Chronicle
The Toowoomba Chronicle, a long-time Chamber supporter, has unveiled an extremely generous rates package for all financial Chamber members. As well as providing Your Chamber with a subsidised publicity package for the next 12 months, the Chronicle is offering all members a unique small business advertising rates package.
The starting rate for members will be the 2500 cms rate, representing a 30%-plus savings over standard rates. Normally an advertiser would have to spend $25,000 in 12 months before attaining this level of discount. To take up the offer, contact the Chronicle on 46 909300 and provide your Chamber membership details. (Remember, you must be a financial member to ensure you receive the discount.)
E-newsletter
This medium allows you to bring yourself up to date at your desk, in a fast download format. Be informed about issues and legislation changes that may affect the viability of business. For a nominal fee, members can advertise their business in the enews.
Online Business Directory
Advertise your business for free in our online directory and for a nominal fee, you can add images to your entry. You control the content of your entry and you can edit the information as often as you like. Be recognised as a leading local business by your representation in the Chamber directory.
An Informative Website
This website allows you to access important information, provide your own comments direct to your Board members, and link to a range of useful business web sites. The members-only region adds value to your subscription.
Advocacy
If you have an issue with government, your Chamber can assess your situation and offer advice. Should it be of benefit, lobbying under the auspices of the Chamber may be undertaken.
Training
Through the Chamber's affiliation with CCIQ, all members can access a wide range of training programs at discounted member's rates. These include management, workplace health and safety, professional development, marketing and customer service training.
Toowoomba Business Excellence Awards
The Toowoomba Business Excellence Awards allows recognition of high achievement by peers and introduces all business to best practice activities. This in turn must translate to better product and service delivery, to the benefit of individual enterprises, and the city overall. Your membership gives added strength to the importance and prestige of the Awards.
Access to collective knowledge
Your Chamber office offers members access to collective information on the local business environment, sourced through our membership base, CCIQ and and the personal experience of Chamber staff and members.
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