Message from Chamber President Geoff McDonald on behalf of the TCCI Board to our valued members:
The Board of the Toowoomba Chamber are pleased that a decision has finally been made on the trading hours for the City of Toowoomba Area.
We have attached a copy for your reading of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission Decision handed down on Friday March 5, to be effective from Sunday 16th May 2010.
Time will tell as to whether this decision is a sound and sustainable economic decision for our region.
While the trading hours will not be compulsory for all it may well be a case of “business breeds business.”
It is now time for those businesses who see themselves adversely effected by this decision to use more of that resilience and innovative thinking that has seen them survive and prosper during difficult times in the past. Innovation really is one of our best kept secrets as a business community and this decision gives us all another great opportunity to demonstrate it.
Innovation in best business practice, for example, rostering staff in an effort to limit additional expense or penalty rates. Assistance in this area is available through CCIQ and your own industry body.
Innovation in marketing, promotion and networking with other businesses to capitalise on this decision is certainly where the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Industry will continue to work closely with members.
Undoubtedly the greatest challenge will come via competition by our larger national retailers with our traditional independent mostly family run businesses. Many of these businesses have provided the platform for economic sustainability in our region and are the very fabric that have shaped our envied lifestyle. These challenges were identified in the findings for the decision (pages 15 and 16). I certainly hope that with Chamber support, these businesses that feel disadvantaged by this decision at the moment, can continue to play major roles in our business community.
There has never been a better time to be a member of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Industry as we all work through the challenges and opportunities that 7 Day trade carries.
Let’s find or create ways to take advantage of this decision.