The Annual General Meeting of the Maleny and District Chamber of Commerce was held on Monday February 7 at the Maleny Hotel.    Outgoing President Rob Parker welcomed the over 20 business's in attendance.    Rob spoke of his two years in the Chair and thanked those who served on his Executive Committee over that time.

The Annual General Meeting of the Maleny and District Chamber of Commerce was held on Monday February 7 at the Maleny Hotel.   Outgoing President Rob Parker welcomed the over 20 business's in attendance.   Rob spoke of his two years in the Chair and thanked those who served on his Executive Committee over that time.

Cr Dick Newman took the Chair for the election of new Office Bearers.   President Rod Thamm, Vice President Jill Jordan, Secretary Karen Binstead, Treasurer Vicki Heading, together with Michael Bartlett, Tony Allison and Stephen Dittman make up this year's committee.

Rod thanked the outgoing committee and spoke on his Vision for the Chamber for this year.   He sees the slowing of the flow of the shopping traffic going down the range as the biggest challenge for the Maleny business community.

"We need to present the benefits for everyone to 'try a local business first'," he said.    "It is also essential that we encourage tourists to come up the hill and spend their dollars in this area.    A closer cooperation with the Tourism bodies is required and I am thankful that Tony Allison agreed to be our Tourism link this year."    He outlined several shop local promotions that would be looked at over the next month, by the Executive.    The Chamber, with the Maleny & District Rural Fire Brigade, will also look at resurrecting the Street Christmas Carnival this year.

Rod welcomed the incoming committee.   He said the new committee is a group of experienced and committed business people with a strong commitment to Maleny and its business community, and is confident of some positive outcomes over the year.

The Chamber meets the first Monday of each month and all businesses are most welcome to attend.   For more information contact Secretary on 5494 3677 b/h.

Photo: New Chamber Committee Stephen Dittman, Tony Allison,
Jill Jordan, Rod Thamm, Karen Binstead. Vicki Heading absent