By JESSE GRAHAM
THE NEW head of both Healesville and Yarra Glen Chambers of Commerce said a merger between the groups is “not set in concrete”, though discussions are continuing on forming a consolidated group.
The Mail reported last week (24 November) that Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce president Alex Lagerwey was elected president of the Healesville Chamber on Wednesday 18 November.
The election came after news that a potential merger of chambers was being sounded out to members, to form a consolidated group to cover the lower Yarra Valley.
Yarra Glen resident Noel Buchanan asked in a Letter to the Editor whether the merger had happened with Mr Lagerwey taking over the presidency of Healesville’s chamber as well.
Mr Lagerwey told the Mail that the idea was still in a “development” stage, with discussions to continue with members in the coming 12 months.
“It’s not absolutely certain that it’s going to be a merger – it’s certainly not set in concrete,” he said.
He said the idea had been supported by the “majority” of members, though some were opposed to joining the chambers.
“There are pockets of reticence about it,” he said.
“We certainly want the people who are reticent, we want them on board and to make their views known, because looking at a variety of views, we’ll end up with a better decision or a better result, in my view.
“We want to accommodate a range of views and a range of opinion, so that’s the best outcome.”
Mr Lagerwey said a potential merger would take in businesses located between the towns, such as TarraWarra Museum of Art, the Yarra Valley Dairy or the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.
He said it would also help to create a larger advocacy group for businesses in the valley, similar to that of the Warburton Valley CEDA (Community Economic Development Association).
“Historically, chambers have become main street focused due to the fact that when they were first established, in between townships there was virtually nothing but mile-posts,” he said.
“We want to try and do many things, and we certainly don’t want to dilute the focus away from the main trading areas, which is the main street focus, but we want to be able to capture the region as well.”
What do you think of the idea to merge the chambers of commerce between Healesville and Yarra Glen?
Write a Letter to the Editor to editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au or to 244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, 3777 with your thoughts.
