President’s Report - January 2025

As we begin another exciting year for the Chamber, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of our members for their unwavering support and active engagement. Your dedication continues to be the driving force behind our success, and I’m excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to collaborate, grow, and achieve even greater milestones.

I am also pleased to extend a warm welcome to our newly appointed board members and offer my sincere thanks to those who have dedicated their time and expertise to lead the Chamber. The continued strength and vitality of our organization is thanks to their leadership and vision. With the collective effort of our board and members, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous and dynamic future for local businesses.

Please join me in welcoming the Southport Chamber of Commerce Executive Board for 2025:

President: Trevor Bruger
Vice President: Sidnee Jennings
Vice President: Lavinia Rampino
Vice President: Graeme Isaacson
Secretary: Doug Garvie
Treasurer: Allan Godbee
Board Member: Katie Bond
Board Member: Sam Rees
Board Member: Ara Jo

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Ariana Margetts for her dedication and service to the Chamber. Ariana served as President for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and as Vice President in the previous year. Her leadership and commitment have significantly contributed to the Chamber’s success, and we deeply appreciate her efforts in strengthening our business community.

As we move forward, it is with great pride that I announce we are now representing 433 businesses within our community. This growing membership base is a testament to the importance of the work we do together to make a positive impact on the local economy. With each new member, we strengthen our collective voice, and we’re excited to continue advocating for the needs of Queensland small businesses.

Reflecting on the past year, we’ve accomplished so much, from advocating for policy changes to fostering meaningful connections that have supported the growth of our members. Despite challenges, our businesses have demonstrated incredible resilience, and we’re proud of all we’ve achieved.

Looking ahead, the Chamber will continue to focus on three key pillars: Inform, Connect, and Advocate. We will provide relevant information to help our members stay informed, host networking events to foster valuable connections, and advocate for policies that support the growth of our local businesses.

Upcoming Event: SCOC Chinese New Year Celebration!

As we embark on another exciting year, I’m thrilled to announce our SCOC Chinese New Year Celebration on 13 February 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Yuyin Chinese Cuisine. This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow members, enjoy a delightful banquet, and celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake together. Please mark your calendars and join us for what promises to be a memorable evening!

On behalf of the entire Board, I want to express my sincere gratitude once again for your ongoing support. Your commitment helps ensure the continued growth and success of Queensland’s small and family businesses. We are here to advocate for your needs and ensure our community thrives.

Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to seeing you at the Chinese New Year Celebration!

Trevor Bruger
President
Southport Chamber of Commerce