Published on Tuesday, 21 March 2023 at 2:39:59 PM
Boards adopt members’ decision to maintain separate Chambers for Onslow and Pilbara Inland
13 March, 2023
The results of a business survey conducted last month have been released today, with the majority of respondents to the Ashburton CCI Survey voting against the proposed amalgamation of the existing Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce (PICCI) and Onslow Chamber of Commerce (OCCI).
The results were independently tabled at the PICCI and OCCI Board meetings earlier in the month, with both Boards unanimously supporting the decision of their members to continue as separate entities.
PICCI Chair Carlen Woods said the high level of engagement from businesses in Tom Price and Paraburdoo had confirmed the strong appetite and need for a reinvigorated Chamber of Commerce in the inland Pilbara.
“Through this project we are committed to creating a financially sustainable and effective Chamber of Commerce backed by a solid strategic plan and operating model that meets the needs of our members and that is sustainable in the long term,” Ms Woods said.
“Exploring all opportunities was an important part of this project and we are excited to now move ahead to the next phase.”
Phase Two of the project, to develop a Strategic Plan and Business Model for PICCI, will now commence. The Strategic Plan will set the vision of the organisation and define priority initiatives based on the needs of members. The Business Modeling will consist of a suite of business and operational plans such as finance, governance, marketing, programming, and more. These plans will not only support the ongoing expansion of the organisation, but be the catalyst for securing future funding partnerships.
Businesses operating in Tom Price and Paraburdoo will be invited to attend a Needs Analysis Workshop later this month to provide feedback on the services, support and events they would like PICCI to deliver for its members.
The findings of these workshops will inform a strategic planning session with the PICCI Board, facilitated by local Business Strategist Jess Miller. A final Strategic Plan is expected to be launched by PICCI in May 2023.
“This is just the beginning for us, we have built some great momentum and engagement over the last two months, and we’re committed to continuing to build on that with the delivery of Phase Two of the project,” Ms Woods said.
“We recognise our vision won’t become a reality overnight, however we are committed to getting this right. We are encouraged by the high level of engagement from our members, local businesses and regional stakeholders and see a bright future ahead for PICCI.”
Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Chantelle King thanked all members for their valuable feedback and participation in the consultation.
“Working with the PICCI team has been a great experience and we have identified a number of shared challenges and potential future partnership opportunities that could benefit our members,” Ms King said.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to strengthen this relationship directly with our neighbouring Chamber, and as part of the Pilbara Regional Chambers alliance.”
Thank you to Rio Tinto for making this project possible.
END
Media contacts:
Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Carlen Woods 0407 677 679
Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Chantelle King 9184 6182
Back to All News