Local businessperson Kelsie Prowse has joined the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce, bringing with her a passion for small businesses and start-ups.
Ms Prowse was officially announced as a new board member at the chamber’s 2021 annual general meeting on Tuesday and said she aimed to help businesses in uncertain times.
“I consider myself the ultimate hype person and if I can support these brave entrepreneurs to start up new businesses in these times, I’ll do all that I can to support and assist them,” she told attendees.
Ms Prowse brings with her a passion for hospitality and tourism, a space she occupies as the owner of The Apple Farm and as a Tourism Mount Gambier board member, an organisation which has since been absorbed by the chamber.
“That brought me here, working alongside powerhouse businessmen and women in the Chamber. I feel privileged to be working beside them and I look forward to more of this in the future,” she said.
Ms Prowse also expressed her belief tourism deserves unified promotion by the region’s councils.
“We need to bring the City of Mount Gambier and Grant District Council together to assist with the promotion of our region, bringing us alongside other major tourism destinations within South Australia,” she said.
Ms Prowe’s induction came after what the chamber claimed was a positive year, but one that was not without its challenges.
President Hayley Neumann said the organisation had lost more members than it had gained and Tourism Mount Gambier had lost all its committee members. However, after absorbing the organisation back into the chamber it had gained Ms Prowse as an executive.
“We know it’s not just the current business climate,” Ms Neumann said.
“The biggest challenge of the chamber is remaining relevant and delivering value to members. We are striving to address and face head-on the challenge and invite any feedback from our members and stakeholders.”
Ms Neumann said the next 12 months would have a focus on advocacy, growth and connection, while tourism would continue to be a major focus.
“We want the chamber to be front of mind when a business needs someone in their corner and when a decision maker needs to hear a voice,” she said.
It was also revealed that Gary Jaffer and Helen Strickland would be stepping away from the chamber.
