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Chamber elects core committee

The Rural Fire Service hosted the third Pearl Beach-Patonga Chamber of Commerce meeting recently, with the chamber electing a new core committee.

"Attendees warmed up over a sausage sizzle and raised some money for the local firees before getting down to the more serious business of electing positions of office," media liaison Ms Rosemary Ruthven said.

"Seven of the eight positions of office were elected but contention was met over the need to elect an environmental officer.

"Some members were concerned the chamber may be seen as being in competition with existing groups already addressing environmental issues in the area.

"In response, chamber president Karen Wakefield and Chamber legal advisor Geoff Corah, stated, that it was paramount to have someone in place who could advise the chamber in ways to conduct environmentally-sustainable business practices.

"They also said that the environmental advisor's job would involve liaising, rather than competing with local groups.

"A more concise job description will be written before the next meeting on Saturday, August 18, when members will have the opportunity to vote again."

Ms Ruthven said she was "delighted" that the chamber was now officially open to membership.

"Anyone with connections to Pearl Beach or Patonga can join and there are some renowned community members already on board to provide advisory support to those who do become members," Ms Ruthven said.

The core committee includes local lawyer Geoff Corah of Peninsula Law (legal advisor); marketing guru Peter Talty (marketing manager); criminal lawyer Rosemary Freeman (special project and social conscience advisor); UNSW academic Karen Wakefield (president); children's literacy specialist Rosemary Ruthven (PR-media liaison); industrial chemist Karen Ferguson (secretary) and Annie Karbowiak (secretary); Pearl Beach Café and General Store owner John Karbowiak (treasurer); as well as Chris O'Brien and Helga Diamond (environmental advisors).

"Annual fees range from $25 for a micro business to $200 for a commercial business," Ms Ruthven said.

"New members and their guests are always welcome to attend the meetings, usually held monthly."

Times and locations will be posted in the "What's On In and Around the Peninsula" section of Peninsula News.

Press release, 18 Jul 2007 Rosemary Ruthven, Pearl Beach-Patonga Chamber of Commerce