The History Of Local Chambers Of Commerce And Industry

Local Chambers Inc is directed and managed by Charles Bellow, who is responsible to the Regional Board for LCCI. He established the organisation in 1992 through the centralisation of the administration of the Victoria Park Chamber of Commerce and Industry (est. 1983) and Canning Chamber of Commerce and Industry (est. 1988) and the formation of the Belmont and South Perth Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1992. Local Chambers is a professional and responsible business organisation whose mission is to promote private enterprise in the interests of industry, trade and employment growth. It is a self-funding, non-profit organisation boasting a fully paid membership of nearly 500 local business decision makers. The strategic direction of the organisation is developed through ten sub-committees responsible for planning the activities of local chambers. LCCI facilitates over 300 networking functions per year where the activities are diverse and stimulating. The activity calender demonstrates the range of functions such as office networking, local issues forums, Business after hours, Business safaris, Inter-Asia Group, Women in Business group. These networking facilities are highly valued as part of a comprehensive mentoring environment.

1957

Origins of Local Chambers began in Gosnells where there was a recognised need for and organisation to support local businesses.

1990

Due to a declining interest in serving on Chamber committees and activities, the Victoria Park CCI employed a full time Executive Director to carry the work load and two months later, Canning negotiated for shared use of the Executive Director.

Permanent offices were set up in Canning.

1991

A street party was held to launch upgrading of Albany Highway to highlight improved streetscape proposals. Businesses in the community participated by fundraising before the event and creating the jazzy theme.

1992

As the West Australian Chamber appeared not to be interested in helping small businesses so there was seen to be a need for an independent group. With the help of local Chamber members Charles Bellow started a regionally based group the South Central Metropolitan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which was to become the biggest grassroots Chamber in Australia. Focussed on helping and supporting local businesses, he expanded to the surrounding areas of Belmont and Canning, running four chambers under the banner of the South Central Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

With a membership base of 300 and an active Chamber movement, Vic Park and Canning Chambers moved to form a region based on the South East Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce model (Gosnells, Armadale and Serpentine-Jarrahdale) model.

South Perth and Belmont Chambers were inaugurated in April and May respectively and joined with Victoria Park and Canning to become the South Central Metropolitan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, formed in August. Each local chamber would effectively have a quarter share in the SCMCCI and each member Chamber would require it's own constitution or set of standing orders by which it would operate. August 26 was the official inauguration of SCMCCI (Inc).

Future Growth of the Chamber Movement in Western Australia: A strategic Outlook December 1992.

A study instigated by Affiliated Chambers Working Party – a body set up on behalf of the Affiliates Conference to examine the developing relationship between the newly formed Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA and the state wide network of local chambers affiliated with it. To assist the working party with this, the input of the professional staff working within the chamber network was sought and an Affiliates Strategy Group subsequently formed. They held weekly meetings over a period of several months. Their role was to redefine the conditions governing the working relationship between the Affiliated Chambers and their new network partner CCI.

Primary Goal – to establish a statewide chamber movement that was integrated, productive and shares a common purpose.

Objective 1 – to create a network of regional Chambers State wide and simultaneously enhance the professionalism and human resources of those chambers.

Objective 2 – to develop a combined service base through centralisation and standardisation of the membership system.

Objective 3 - to develop an environment of trust and mutual understanding within which CCI and its Affiliated chambers could operate.

Regional Chambers commenced with a pilot program in the metropolitan area. At this time there were two regional chambers operating within WA These were the South East Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (formed in 1987 and spanning Gosnells, Armadale-Kelmscott and Serpentine-Jarrahdale) and the South Central Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (formed in 1992 spanning South Perth, Belmont, Victoria Park and Canning). Cost savings and growth opportunities stemming from Central co-ordination and compilation of local directories.

Suggested possible division:

Fremantle – Melville/Fremantle
South Central Metropolitan - South Perth/Belmont/Victoria Park/Canning
South East Metropolitan – Gosnells/Armadale/Kelmscott/Serpentine-Jarrahdale
Sterling – total local government area
Swan – Midland/Mundaring/Kalamunda
Wanneroo – total local government area
West Central – Claremont/Cottesloe/Nedlands/Subiaco

The Affiliates Strategy Group recommended:

In principle adoption of the proposed strategy of Regional Chamber formation and integration with CCI. Initiation of a pilot program as of 1 July 1993 featuring either or both of the two existing Metropolitan Regional Chambers subject to their member's approval.

1993

In July, the Regional Chambers engaged in a pilot project to merge their 319 members into the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA administration. The region now serviced over 1,000 members with a considerable change in operational structure. The chambers took up new premises in the Welshpool Business Enterprise Centre under the CCI administration. The Chambers continued with an increase in activities for the regional members.

First AGM Of SCMCCI

"The Chamber Link" – four individual newsletters for four local chambers published simultaneously. The first edition was published during September with the concept behind it being to provide a local focus to Chamber activities and to let members know what activities the chamber was involved.

1994

The CCIWA accepted the pilot project as being a success and the merger becomes official.

SCMCCI Regional President 1994/95 - Paul Henry
Belmont CCI President 1994/95 - Rob Francis
Canning CCI President 1994/95 - Marylin Hopkins
South Perth CCI President 1994/95 - John Tidman
Victoria Park CCI President 1994/95 - Philip Lafferty

This was another hectic year with a change at staff level culminating in stabilisation within the chamber. The 'pilot scheme' of regional chambers merged with CCI entered a new phase in August when Chambers were officially declared affiliated with CCI. The intention was, at this time, to retain individual chamber identity but at the same time accept the benefits that belonging to such a powerful organisation can bring.

1995

Legislation granting more flexibility over trading hours made its mark. At this time Average weekly earnings was $508, for males - $623 and females - $315. The unemployment rate stood at 8.5%.

The Regional office at Welshpool was closed mid April and moved to Kelmscott and staff were shared with the South East Metropolitan Region. By July total regional staff had been reduced to two full time employees (previously four). South Central Metropolitan Executive Committee was completely dissatisfied with this cost saving arrangement and as a result, between mid April and June, numerous meetings and correspondence between SCMCCI Executives and CCI management achieved a resolution to the problem:

1. Local chambers were to be more responsible for its financial activities,
2. That it would revert to the sale of regional (local) membership at a reduced fee,
3. That it would be allowed a finite allocation per member in the annual budget. Chambers were able to allow for the resumption of full administration operations in the South Central Region, which was being re-established at that time.

South Central Chambers representation :

• Canning Regional Enterprise Agency Committee.
• City of Belmont Fair Committee.
• CCI Small and Medium Enterprise Council.
• Federal Airports Corporate Functions.
• Local Government Functions, dinners.
• Anzac ceremonies.
• Town of Victoria Park Fair Committee.
• Small Business Development Corporation Function.
• Willeton Joblink Executive Committee.
• Welshpool Business Enterprise Centre Board.

SCMCCI Inc was formally dissolved as part of the region's merger with CCI. The local Chambers would remain incorporated. However, the constitution would have to be amended to make them compatible with the constitution of CCIWA Inc. SCMCCI Executive Committee was to be replaced by the South Central Regional Executive Committee consisting of members of each local chamber as in the previous body.

At the end of September, there were approximately 900 businesses in SCMCCI – this was similar to number of members in 1994. Regional Chambers was working with local government and all councils had delegates on the Local Chambers Executive Committee and there were Chamber members on several community committees. The Chambers apolitical stance was reinforced by the support of representatives from all political parties at various functions. The number of referrals from community groups and concerned citizens to regional chamber was increasing.

1996

The resignation of Gary Peers, South East Regions Executive Officer, prompted the CCIWA to close the South Central Regional Office in the Welshpool Business Enterprise Centre and relocate to the South East Regions premises in Gilwell Street, Kelmscott The new Executive Officer was intended to service both regions. Submissions to the CCIWA from the executives of both regions resulted in the appointment of an officer for the South East Region and the South Central Regional Office relocating to CCIWA head office in September.

Negotiations with CCIWA by the South Central Regional Executive resulted in a new regional membership category closer in cost to that prior to merging with CCIWA and a financial structure more acceptable to the regional operations.The regional chambers began a period of restoration locally, building membership services locally.

There was a National Tax Summit held in this year, aimed at bringing community interests together to air views about Australia's tax system and how it could be reformed. Training also enters a period of change – introduction of user choice, customisation, competency standards and training packages, training contracts between employers and employees

A new structure of membership began in this year. There were now three levels of membership:

1. Full CCI Membership – entitles members to full CCI services, Base fee $270.
2. Regional Membership – suitable for members who want to participate in local networking and local chamber activities, fee $150.
3. Branch Membership – used for full CCI members who want to use regional services, fee $80.

Tony DeBarro, Regional Manager SCMCCI, has been seconded to government office of Kevin Minson to advise department on privatisation. As such, Juliet Gisbourne replaced him for this period.

1997

There were amendments to the Commercial Tenancy Agreement Act in this year. In the long term this Bill will significantly enhance small and medium size tenants rights in a number of areas. There was also a State Wage Case Decision granting all adult employees covered by state awards a $10 weekly wage increase. Local chambers was also a significant voice in lobbying for extended Christmas trading hours. WA saw a 7% increase in the number of indentured apprentices since 1995 – going against the national trend of declining numbers in apprentices.

The 1997-98 State Budget was one of higher taxes and charges to support ongoing spending programs in the context of reduced Federal Government funding – phased introduction of a gold royalty, payroll tax rate would be reduced from July 1997, increases in motor vehicle licence fees and increases in debits tax rate. In addition, Local Chambers was not in support of the State Government's Central Perth Parking Policy (taxing of private parking bays). Despite the increases confidence in the economy from the WA business community rose further in the December quarter of 97 and preparedness for the GST was looking good.

SCMRO concentrated on a wide range of activities including lobbying and working with local government and other authorities on:

• Federal Airports Corporation – Perth Airport Development
• WA Police – Crime Forum
• Australia Post – Business Development
• Belmont Forum – Development
• Business Enterprise Centres – Small Business Development
• Westfield Carousel – Development
• Department of Main Roads – Development
• Canning college – Adult Business Education
• Town of Victoria Park – Business Development Proposals
• City of Canning – Business Development Proposals

At this time Average Weekly earnings was $540, for males -$657 and for females - $404. The unemployment rate stood at 8.3%.

1998

In February, CCIWA announced that it would cease the administration of regional offices effective 30 June 1998, and make redundant all staff employed in these offices. The CCIWA's reasons for this move was that the merger had not achieved its aims in that the regional offices had been a financial drain, with no significant increase in membership levels.

The joint executives of the South Central Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry met and confirmed their support for the continuation of the South Central Metropolitan CCI independent of CCIWA. The executive recognised that the restructuring of the region would have to allow for a large reduction of resources, which had been previously provided by CCIWA, but they believed that this could be built up to a viable concern within three years.

Regional President - Mr Kim Cowcher
Regional Executive Officer - Mr Charles Bellow

Incorporation of the South East Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce was completed by August 1998.

Types of memberships available at Local Chambers:

• Ordinary
• Key Corporate: consists of high level, successful companies. Key Corporate members sponsor luncheons and activities for the group.
• Gold (For example 4 Seasons Outdoor Home Improvements, Australian Lens Laboratories, Burswood International Resort Casino, Globaltech, KEA Group, Ray White – Cannington & Victoria Park, Sterling Business Machines, South East Metro College of TAFE and The Business Doctor).
• Platinum (For Example Bartercard).

1999

On the 15 July 1999, a new structure of local chambers was formed by the removal of the incorporation of the four chambers and including them as an integral part of the South Central Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated constitution.

Small Business Enterprise Culture Program (SBECP) applied for funding December 1999. The Inter-Asia group was launched with the intention of encouraging networking across cultures.

Local Chambers supported the implementation of the National Competition Policy in WA, as well as the introduction of a broad based consumption tax and removal of prohibitive and anti-competitive regulations by repealing the Retail Trading Hours Act.

The National Small Business Summit was Held in Perth for the first time in this year. Figures showed that the small business annual growth rate in WA between 1994/1995 and 1997/1998 was 5% - outperforming other states. In WA 98% of all businesses is 'small business'.

Local Chambers Code of Ethics (effective as of August 1999)

The Business will:

• Show integrity and sincerity in all dealings.
• Take reasonable account of the interests of the community in which it operates.
• Adopt a "lessons learned' approach.
• Adopt a "value addition/cost effective" approach to all business conducted between Local Chambers members.
• Promote co-operation and collaboration among local chambers membership and with the local business community at large.
• Not engage in practices that may adversely affect or bring the name of Local Chambers or its members into disrepute.
• Deal fairly and honestly in all business activities, complying both with the letter and spirit of: • The law of the country in which they practice • Contractual obligations The minimum requirement for this will be in accordance with the accepted practices contained within the Fair Trading Act (WA) and the Trade Practices Act (Cth).
• Neither engage in, nor condone, nor accept practices that may be to the detriment of fellow members such as misrepresentation of capabilities or breaches of confidentiality.
• Represent themselves and the capabilities of our organisation truthfully and in good faith.

2000

Celebrating the new millennium with pride, Local Chambers released a framed "First Day Cover 1January 2000" collection of stamps and coins.

A seminar was held to acknowledge the importance of non-profit organisation members, as were seminars to assist business owners to deal with the impact of the GST when it was introduced.

The direction for the year was for the planning of more functions for the smaller business groups, including sole traders and non-profit business.

• An average of 5 activities per month for small to large groups including breakfasts, luncheons, and business after hours, which were well attended.
• The most successful' Annual Awards and Business Dinner of the Year' to date was held at Burswood and attracted 350 members.
• Corporate luncheons, sponsored monthly, to look after our largest 50 businesses.
• Streamlining operations saw the constitution revised to allow for 1 AGM per year rather than the normal 5 in previous years.

Local Chambers provide an extensive range of networking activities for local business people. They have been representative of specific business issues including:

• Upgrading of Albany Highway Victoria Park.
• Widening of Albany Highway Cannington.
• Upgrade of Great Eastern Highway.
• Crime in Welshpool
• Meeting with local politicians.
• Meetings with the Australian Tax Office.
• Recognition of successful business through annual business awards.
• Work with local organisations and government departments.
• Organisation of Commerce an Industry Safaris.
• City of Canning "Getting to Know You" project.
• Clean up of graffiti on business premises.

As a community based organisation, Local Chambers is committed to developing services and programmes that add value to our local region. Its aim is to address issues of community relevance, particularly those issues important to members. SCMCCI is available to participate, in a representative capacity, in open forums initiated by local authorities or members of the public. SCMCCI members and staff freely give their time and resources to participate in community services such as:

• Provision of local business and community directories to 80,000 business and residents.
• Commerce and industry safaris involving community representatives.
• Employment programmes and support for job network members and Joblink.
• Clean up of graffiti.
• Sporting activities.
• Local schools committee support, student scholarships and Student Industry Links Program (Armadale).
• Street numbering and Christmas decorations.
• Anzac Day representation.
• Kiwanis, Rotary, Victoria Park Art Centre, Joblinks.
• Jobs Pathway Program – Cannington region.

Local Chambers developed a weekly e-newsletter and hoped to replace the existing monthly activities update with an ongoing weekly update and news items (weekly information supplemented by monthly hard copy newsletter featuring more in-depth items tailored to the needs of each area). New products introduced in 2002 included website design and hosting that were managed and coordinated by an in-house graphic designer. Local Chambers expected to expand the use of the website for communication needs, which would involve the running of eight committees exclusively through the website. In addition to this is the development of e-mail membership – these will be full members but receive only limited amounts of hard copy mail.

Membership cards were introduced and were well received by members. In addition, the introduction of the business directory "Metropolis" on to the website was a leap forward in an advancement in the new technological age.

Bentley Centre was closed on the 25 July.

Alliances to the South Central Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry include:

• Motor Trade Association (MTA).
• Small Business Development Corporation.
• State Organisations.
• Gosnells Business Development Centre.
• Victoria Park Jobmate.
• South East Metropolitan Business Enterprise Centre.
• Small Business Alliance.
• Town of Victoria Park Urban Rail Committee.

2001

Local Chambers had now grown to a level that it was necessary to compile a 'book of rules' to ensure that the ongoing development and stability of local chambers was achieved. Each 'rule and guideline' required a proposer and a seconder and once ratified by the Board was in place until rescinded or amended at a board meeting. It was decided in May that a set of operational rules was to be developed to ensure proper representation of Local Chambers by chamber committee members, particularly when engaging with the media on controversial matters. A set of guidelines will also be developed for functions and events. Currently Local Chambers holds approximately four functions per week.

Portfolios were introduce within each Chamber, these are:

Finance/Treasury - to overview the finance of the Local Chambers and provide regular status reports to the executive.

New membership - to grow the existing membership base of the Local Chambers as defined by the executive committee.

Fundraising - to generate a minimum of $10,000 per annum in revenue additional to membership revenue to fund chamber administration costs.

Marketing - to promote activates of the Chamber to the local business community; to encourage Chamber membership and understanding of the Chamber role.

Events and functions - to plan and organise the annual schedule in conjunction with Chamber administration and executive of Chamber events and functions to provide opportunities for member networking.

Policy - to monitor the way in which the Chamber operates internally and construct policies as determined at executive level; to monitor the way in which the Chamber operates externally and represent the Chamber and its members on issues affecting local business.

Membership Retention - to develop ways to maximise the benefits of Chamber membership in order to minimise member non-renewal and assist in attracting new chamber members.

Due to rapid growth of Local Chambers, changes to the constitution were required and a committee was formed to oversee these changes.

Authorisation for Charles Bellow to manage staffing at the Chamber was set out in writing, although he was still answerable to the Board. A server was installed in the offices for the expansion of Internet use.

The election of board members took place in October and was as follows: Executive Director - Charles Bellow South Perth - Peter Kirwan Belmont - Shane Botwright Victoria Park - Tony Mathers Armadale - Rocky Porcaro Victoria Park - Andrew Neale Canning Vale - Pat Cannon Victoria Park - Steve Johnson Canning - Rod Brown Gosnells - Ray Lawrence

Official launch of Women In Business group on 1 May.

Business Mentors Enhancement Project was launched in September. This was a Local Chambers and the South East Metropolitan Business Enterprise centre project funded through the Small Business Initiative Fund Program aimed at enhancing the existing Mentor Partner Program.

As the Chamber relied heavily on volunteers, the Year of the Volunteer (2001) was extremely important to Local Chambers. Also two coin and stamp memorabilia were released and used extensively by the Chamber – "Year of the Snake" and "Centenary of Federation".

A "Don't Turn Your Break Into a Wake" Function was an attempt to bring awareness of the rising death toll on Western Australian roads and how to stop this number from getting higher was wholly supported by the Chamber.

Two issues in which the Chamber of Commerce and Industry had been influential in this year were labour market deregulation and tax reform. Part of the Chamber's major role was to promote an economic and legislative environment that encouraged the growth of private enterprise. CCI supports free enterprise as the policies are about putting the interests of the wider community above the special and powerful interests of producers and producer groups.

Melville-Cockburn chamber decides not to continue with the option of merging with local chambers in October.

Amendments to the constitution – September 2001
Rule 3 of constitution and rules of the CCIWA (Inc) were deleted and replaced with:
The objects of the Chamber are:

1. To promote WA and Australian industry, trade and commerce and economic development.
2. To promote the development of the agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, viticultural, manufacturing and industrial resources of Australia.
3. To provide for industry, trade and commerce the means of formulating and making known its common purposes and the means of action in regard to industrial, commercial, economic, fiscal, labour, social, educational, legal and technical matters.
4. To promote, develop and protect the interest of all or any persons engaged in industry, trade and commerce.
5. To secure to the members of the Chamber all the advantages of unity of action.
6. To form and encourage the formation of an association of employers of persons within industries or groups of industries.
7. To foster maximum development of the free enterprise system.
8. To promote and develop high standards in education and training.
9. To consider, promote or oppose Commonwealth or State legislation, regulations and policies and the by-laws, regulations and policies of local governing bodies and other corporations directly or indirectly affecting commercial interests.
10. To undertake by arbitration, mediation or otherwise the settlement of disputes.
11. To receive and decide references on matters of usage and custom dispute and,
12. To provide services to persons engaged in industry, trade and commerce.

The reason behind this amendment was, to ensure that the operation of Objects clause extended beyond WA and to remove the current inconsistency of the Chambers education and training object which was restricted to WA. Compared to its wholly owned subsidiary CCI Training Services Pty Ltd that had no state boundary limitations.

2002

Local Chambers celebrated TEN Years since the first four chambers came together under the banner of SCMCCI.

Relaunch of Local Chambers in February was characterised by vast support from diverse range of member organisations, reflecting strong support for the new Chamber from businesses, local authorities and community leaders. Speakers included Brendan McCarthy (CCI's Director of Operations), Geoff Gallop (Leader of the Opposition), Mr Don Randall, Cr Mick Lee (Mayor of Town of Vic Park).

Discussion regarding Perth to Mandurah Rail Link, which will link communities with the aid of strategically placed, purpose built transit stations. This was supported by Local Chambers due to the enormous benefits to small business in the area.

Keith Ellis replaced Shane Botwright as Regional President in April.

The Government drafted a Labour Reforms bill that will see the introduction of new Industrial Relation laws. This covers an increase in award rates, the automatic rights of unions to enter workplaces and the abolition of workplace agreements.

Successful projects to this date have included:

• Federally funded grant to operate a Mentor Partner Program which continued to operate successfully with a hundred of our members.
• Development of two websites and a web design and hosting service.
• An on-the-job work experience program with 50 participants benefiting from the variety of chamber administrative activities.

Delegates membership that is exclusively e-mail/Internet based and aimed at employees of organisations that are full members and developed as a result have increased participation of employees at Chamber activities.

Types of Functions held:
Breakfast forums Business Awards Business Dinner of the Year Business Development Business Forums Business Luncheons Mentoring Programmes Business Promotions Gala Ball Corporate Sports Government Liaisons Industry Safaris Key Corporate Group Networking Sponsorship opportunities Women in Business Non-profit Support

Attendances for functions were lower than usual due to the increase in the number of functions and the focus on local activities. Members had more options and were being more selective about what they attend, opting for activities in their area rather than regional activities.

An application for funding for the Regional MPP ($45000) and the South East Metropolitan Business Development Program ($90000) was submitted in this year. A Communication strategy was also launched 14 May 2002 in an effort to gain editorial and media coverage and to increase general awareness of the launch.