Monday 12 February 2024
A message from Andrew Kay, Cheif Executive Officer of South Australian Business Chamber.
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As we mark the 185th anniversary of your state Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we have taken the opportunity to review our purpose, member offering and branding.
It’s a significant milestone. Being founded in 1839 makes us one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the country. What strikes me more than anything about our genesis, is that with the South Australian colony only three years old, the traders, merchants and industrialists of our state already recognised the benefit of working together and the strength in advocating with one united voice.
In 2024 as we operate in far more complex and uncertain times, the role of a chamber has never been more critical.
Today we mark the next chapter in our history and announce from today we will be known as the South Australian Business Chamber. |
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The decision to change our name from Business SA has not been taken lightly, but we are confident that the time is right.
Why? A couple of reasons stand out and may not surprise some of you.
Many government departments and agencies have the letters SA after their name. InvestSA, RenewalSA, DefenceSA, Green Industries SA and so on. Our research consistently reinforces that there are a significant number of businesses in our state who assume we are part of government. As an independent, not-for-profit, member-based organisation that often challenges government on policy issues and advocates on behalf of the business sector for change, that confusion needs to be addressed.
Secondly, as a chamber of commerce, we are part of a global network, standing beside chambers around the world who are recognised for the role they play in serving the business community. Here in Australia, we have a direct association with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) who we work closely with on matters of federal government policy. In fact, the star in our logo is shared with ACCI and other state chambers across the country, symbolising our unity.
As we celebrate 185 years of serving South Australian business, it is time to reclaim our identity as a chamber of commerce and a fiercely independent one at that! Hence the South Australian Business Chamber.
Last year as part of our strategic planning process, we committed to our Purpose to Remove Complexity, Create Opportunity. In the coming months, you will learn more about the changes to our membership tiers as we look to simplify our offering while ensuring our relevance and value to members is stronger than ever.
Until then, I hope that you will join me in celebrating with pride the evolution of your Chamber in its 185th year.
Kind Regards
Andrew Kay Chief Executive Officer South Australian Business Chamber |
