The Grafton Chamber is supported by an active and dedicated team of elected Executive members - local businesses people who represent a broad cross section of the local business community and dedicated to make Grafton both a wonderful place to live and do business.  Our Executive meet monthly and these meetings are open to and attended regularly by our membership, so that decisions and policies are reflective of the views and experiences of the local business community.  To find out more about joining the Executive or to attend the next meeting, please contact the Executive Officer.

The agenda for all Executive meetings are circulated to the membership a few days prior to the meeting. Members are welcome to attend, send in comments (via the Executive Officer or in writing to the President - email us or see contact us page for address) or request items to be added to the agenda.  Contact the Executive Officer for more information.

Grafton Chamber of Commerce

President’s report MAY 2012

Welcome to all. We are heading into Winter – shorter days and cooler nights (and undoubtedly higher energy costs!)

The Grafton show is now over, and by all accounts it was successful despite the heavy rain on Thursday night.  A number of visitors into our city both at the show, and at the dog show.

As I write this, I am thinking of the budget that is to be delivered this evening.  There has been much hoo haa about a budget surplus etc. What we can hope for is that it is a positive one for small business – we can but hope!  The new Federal Minister for Small Business, on his recent visit to Grafton gave the impression that things were not as bad as many people felt. Unfortunately he did not really listen to the problems that many raised. Many are doing it tough and there is concern about the future, the impacts of carbon tax and the like.

We have a new editor at the Daily Examiner.  Welcome to Jenna Cairney. We had the privilege of meeting her and getting to know her and what she hopes to achieve with the paper and we look forward to a continuing close relationship with her.

We were recently approached regarding the number of public holidays in Grafton and their impact on business. Certainly, in the restaurant and broader tourism area, the impacts of having to pay above the board has a negative effect on attracting visitors, and the opportunity to review the pay structure in these areas to allow for a fixed wage – no overtime – for weekends and public holidays is well worth exploring. The Chamber would welcome any feedback in this regard.read more ...

All the best for the month (and I hope the budget was not too harsh!)   Jeremy

Jeremy Challacombe,  President,

Grafton Chamber of Commerce and Industry