THE president of the merged Surfers Paradise-Broadbeach Chamber of Commerce anticipates ongoing challenges for the local business community at local and state government level, but remains confident its collective voice will be heard.
Laura Younger says the amalgamation of the Gold Coast’s glamorous beachside business precincts of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach into a single, powerful industry group will provide business operators with a stronger voice with which to champion industry concerns to lobby all levels of government.
Younger believes the chamber merger has come at a crucial period for Gold Coast businesses.
“The global economic crisis is impacting our own regional economy and business leaders must work together to ensure the Gold Coast not only survives the downturn but is also well positioned for strong growth into the future,” says Younger.
“A strong effective chamber of commerce along the beachfront will ensure that the interests of business operators resonate strongly in future planning and policy initiatives of the governments of the day.
“The long-term financial and social life of the region is at the forefront of initiatives and policies sought as a result of the new amalgamation.”
The expanded chamber name will run with the traditional tag line ‘heart of the city’.
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