BDCC

Bright and District Chamber of Commerce is the leading local body advancing business opportunities for its members through effective leadership, advocacy and representation. It currently has 118 members.

The Chamber of Commerce and the Business Community:

 The Chamber is the means by which the business community is able to organise itself to:

• Discuss matters of general application and importance to the business community;

• Formulate policies and represent these views to the Shire, State & Federal Government organisations and the community;.

• Provide a point of contact with the business community by the above organisations;

• Co-ordinate the work of sub-committees which conduct festivals and other events which significantly contribute to the local economy;

• Provide an umbrella organisation for these groups particularly in the areas of public liability insurance, sponsorship grant negotiations, and local liaison;

• Allow the distribution of local relevant information to the membership quickly and effectively through a "members only" network.

 Objectives:

• To establish good relationships between members in a competitive commercial environment.

• To provide a forum for the discussion of all matters effecting members.

• To promote the growth, development and prosperity of business activities in Bright and District.

• To foster a sense of civic pride in the community.

Activities:

The Chamber has a voluntary Executive Committee made up of a President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer. The rest of the Committee is made up of one a nominated representative from each of sub-committees.  The committee meets monthly on the 3^rd Tuesday.  All members are welcome to attend.

The following is a brief description of the activities of the Chamber and its sub-committees.

Insurance

The Chamber arranges and pays for public liability insurance cover in respect of the sub-committees and their activities.  It also provides cover for members and volunteers assisting with Chamber projects.

Communication

The Chamber maintains constant communication with members on all relevant matters of interest. This is done by email and a quarterly newsletter. Regulatory and other matters impacting upon small and medium enterprises are advised to members as they arise.

Representation

The Chamber maintains a strong relationship with the Alpine Shire and makes representation to the Shire as required on behalf of the membership.  The Chamber also has a representative on the Alpine Region Tourism committee. The Chamber is a member of the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI).

Support

The Chamber provides in kind and financial support to its sub-committees and, to some extent, other community activities.  Support is also provided for some administrative matters.

Networking

Dinner functions are organised quarterly and provide members with opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest in a relaxed environment. Members meetings are held monthly and all members are encouraged to attend.

Events

Regular events and festivals are organised by sub-committees of the Chamber.  These include Bright’s famous Autumn Festival, Spring Festival incorporating the Bright Alpine Climb (Four Peaks) now in its 25 year and attracting both interstate and international competitors and the Wandiligong Nut Festival.  These voluntary committees work tirelessly to ensure that Bright remains highly visible as a preferred destination and that the town has high profile attractions.  Insurance cover for each of these is provided by the Chamber.

Riverside Walks

Bright’s well known walking tracks and associated infrastructure are continuously maintained and upgraded by another sub-committee of the Chamber.  The Riverside Walks committee ensures that these tracks offer a major activity attraction for visitors and are kept in excellent condition.

Marketing and Promotion

Responsible for a variety of activities primarily aimed at ensuring visitor satisfaction upon arrival but also, in conjunction with Great Alpine Valleys Tourism Board, undertaking the external marketing of Bright as a destination.

Activities include the production of brochures, engagement of public relations professionals as required, specific promotions and the preparation of packaged product for certain events.

Industry Groups

Chamber sub-committees such as Holiday Unit Owners Group and the Caravan/Tourist Group and the Barnard Street Traders conduct mutual interest meetings and undertake activities beneficial to their specific interest.

Winter Projects

This sub-committee evolved from the Bright Traders group and now undertakes projects providing added infrastructure attractions.  This includes such items as the decorative street lighting in the Bright CBD and the illuminated “welcome sign” at the Western entrance to Bright.  Funds are raised from the community.

Publications/ Products produced by and/or made available by the Chamber.