THE Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce AGM has seen a change in leadership with a new president and new-look committee set to take the interests of local businesses forward.
Hazelden Realty founder, Tamara Hazelden, has taken over from long-standing president, Jenny Broderick. The Local Cafe’s Steph Shipman steps into the vice-president role, which was vacated by Tamara.
New committee members include ‘Sunshine Coast Foodie’, Martin Duncan, along with Top Nosh Meal’s Wendy Delchau.
Solution Driven’s Richard Barrett continues as Treasurer alongside Club Glasshouse’s Geoff Martin as Secretary, while Queensland Country Tours’ Judy Tomlinson continues on the committee.
It has been a big year for Tamara who also took out the 2023 Gold Glassie for her small business achievements.
She said her main attention as president was to continue to grow memberships and build the chamber to be able to help and work with small businesses to achieve their own goals.
“We just want to provide as much information to our local businesses whether they are small, medium, established businesses and really speak to them about what they want to get back out of it,” she said.
“Our collective goals are to provide resources and educate people, and also to have a bit of fun when we do meet.
“Ultimately we want to provide value and be there for our fantastic business owners in their entrepreneurial journeys.”
Tamara said the first year of the chamber’s tiered sponsorship program had been a huge success with 16 businesses opting for the top tier, while dozens were now on board with the base tier.
“We want to revise our tiered sponsorships, so that’s one goal that I do have, is growing that sponsorship and bring on as many sponsors as I can which is amazing and it’s exciting,” she said. Tamara also thanks Jenny, saying she had been a tireless advocate for businesses over many years including three as president.
She said continuing on the momentum created by Jenny’s enthusiasm was critical to the success of the chamber and it’s ability to advocate for business.
“Just over the last 12 months, we have been introducing new initiatives driven by the committee and our members,” she said.
“The Building Better Business Tafe program was hugely popular and rewarding for businesses and our women in business events have also been a great success.
“I want to continue that and continue the growth of the chamber of commerce in members and committees because it’s vibrant and we’ve got a really special area here and a lot of special people,” she said.” The AGM was held at the Mooloolah Valley Country Club on Tuesday August 15, with guests enjoying a superb menu focused on local produce.
As well as Tamara’s new position, the new committee was announced which are as follows;
Vice President – Steph Shipman
Treasurer – Richard Barrett
Secretary – Geoff Martin
Committee members – Wendy Delchau, Judy Tomlinson and Martin Duncan
Main image: The new Glasshouse Chamber Ccmmittee: Wendy Delchau, Steph Shipman, Tamara Hazelden, Martin Duncan, Judy Tomlinson and Richard Barrett. (Absent, Geoff Martin)
