“Disappointed and exhausted”

As their annual general meeting approaches next Wednesday evening and following the resignation of two executives - with a possible third, the little manpower the chamber has received when it’s come to organising and delivering numerous events has left them disheartened.

A spokesperson for the chamber said they simply needed more ongoing support and more bodies involved from Young’s business community.

“Effectively if no one puts their hand up, there is no Chamber,” the spokesperson said.

They said people tended to stand up when there was a cry for help but 18 months down the track, they would be back where they started.

“We don’t need help, we need people,”  the spokesperson said.

“We’re putting a lot in but nothing’s received.”

The spokesperson said a clear example was last year’s Christmas Family Market Day - an event the Chamber decided to return to Young’s main street because of popular demand.

The Chamber agreed to endorse the event and help where needed, on the grounds the businesses who were to directly benefit, lead the charge and organise it.

While hailed a big success, only five businesspeople out of the 23 businesses who signed up to participate, organised the event.

The spokesperson also said that last year’s AGM only attracted the Chamber’s executive of about eight people plus two others.

And very little numbers turn out for their monthly meetings.

“We’re passionate for a strong chamber,”  the spokesperson said.

“We’re trying to be proactive but we need the backing.”

They said unless the Chamber had more businesses helping with organisation, this year’s Christmas Family Market Day may not go ahead.

The chamber will gather for their AGM on Wednesday, July 29 at 6pm in the Ibis room of the Young Services Club, after which they will discuss Christmas trading and the Why Leave Town Program.