Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industries to appoint new CEO

Armed with nine years of experience as a small business owner, Mrs Richards stepped into the role in February when former CEO Ray McMillan resigned after serving the chamber for nine years in January. 

Building on the power in numbers philosophy, she’s keen to work hand-in-hand with the chambers’ Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta branches to form a large lobby and advocacy group. 

In her first month as acting CEO, she’s already set a target to grow the chamber’s membership from 255 to 400 by July 1. She said there was plenty of value for business owners to extract from a membership with the chamber as it offered networking opportunities and organisational, technical and legal support. 

“The more members we have, the louder the voice to advocate and lobby for change,” she said.

“Running a business can be very isolating and we want people to know that the chamber is here to support you.”  

Mrs Richards said tourism and small business were the two industries holding the key to unlocking Busselton’s potential and the upgrades to the Busselton Regional Airport would be a game-changer.  

“This is such an exciting time to be in business. I think the day they announced the news about the airport was the happiest day of my life – not withstanding the birth of my two children,” she laughed.  

“The export market straight to South East Asia is just going to make this place boom and we want businesses to be ready. We can help with contacts, information on how much product is needed for export, contracts and putting them in touch with delegates from South East Asia.”  

Mrs Richards owned a small-business in Industrial Medical Training in Vasse and worked as a paramedic for 14 years. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Curtin University. 

A permanent CEO will be appointed by July 1.