The role of the Chamber of Commerce is to support member businesses to, among other things, survive against the forces of bureaucracy and to represent their rights and opinions at local and state government levels. The Chamber is non-political and is funded solely by fees levied on its members.
Anyone who conducts business in the area (nominally that covered by the 2114 postcode) is eligible to become a member. Members are elected at the Annual General Meeting (held usually in August) to an executive position - which is honorary. Executive members pay their membership fees like anyone else and have no individual power other than a share in the decision making for the Chamber.
The Chamber will support any member, with any fair complaint or request, that protects the business community as a whole. In the past we've resisted the location of a needle exchange, helped in the campaign against graffiti as well as striving to make West Ryde a better place to shop, dine and travel through.
We can't help everyone all the time unless we get membership support. And this means paying a small sum of money each year as a subscription. We realise that not every business and shop owner will become a member, but it would make a very powerful organisation if they did. It might help to prevent poorly considered decisions at local government level, for a start.
If you are a member then we appreciate your support. If your neighbour isn't a member, a gentle sales pitch from you could make all the difference.
If we're asked for help, we're be happy to consider the call of members particularly if such a request will benefit the West Ryde community.
Full membership secures you a place on the Chamber's website for a banner advertisement. The website www.westryde.org.au receives over 400 unique visitors a month. Where can you get that kind of exposure for less than $20 a month?