President

Maria is currently in her second term as President of The Greater Narellan Business Chamber.

With over 6 years experience as an Executive member on the Board, Maria brings with her passion and a very real sense of her love for her community.

Growing up in the local area, Maria has always had a connection with the needs of our youth. Maria is passionate about bringing our business leaders together to connect with the local youth and help nurture them into becoming our future leaders.

With over 20 years experience working for the family business in Construction Maria understands the importance of business growth and development. These are 2 things that businesses can not do on their own and Narellan Business Chamber is a great place to come and network with like minded individuals who all share the same goal of maintaining business ethics and working as one within our community.

“Chamber is my “happy place”. I have such a strong sense of family and friendship when I am at our meetings and out and about supporting the local charity events. I am proud to be President for the second year running and am excited at the potential our area has to offer all of our members.”

• Chair monthly general & executive meetings, or as delegated.
• Introduce guest speakers and entertainers, or as delegated.
• Direct the activities of the executive committee.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local councils and government representatives.
• Liaise with other chambers of commerce and relevant community associations.
• Acknowledge ongoing chamber sponsors.
• Liaise with media and media releases and communications.
• Represent NCC with local council meetings, events and forums.
• Represent NCC on NSW Business Chamber events and forums
• Liaise with other Presidents of Local Chambers at meetings, events and forums.
• Manage all Executive roles and responsibilities.

Vice President – General

Starting on the Chamber Board as Secretary in 2016 and now moving into the Vice President Role, Shaun brings an enthusiastic and proactive approach to the Board, always looking to serve the local community.

Being a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Accredited Auctioneer, and a small Business owner (Pereira Realty Group) in Narellan himself, Shaun understands the importance of community spirit and the importance of investing in the community that we live in.

Shaun has a passion for the Greater Narellan area and believes in supporting local business’ himself. “We live in an area with so much potential, surrounded by community minded people – it is an honour to serve on this Board and give back to the community which I call home”.

• Provide support to the president in carrying out responsibilities.
• Represent the president at the functions or meetings as required.
• Chair monthly general and executive meetings if the president is unavailable.
• Assist the speaker co ordinator to ensure guest speakers are booked along with sponsors and prizes are confirmed 3 months in advance.
• Assist the membership and marketing manager to ensure business profiles, web pages and media for monthly meetings are done and liaise with external parties.
• Oversee and co-ordinate at all times on “special” projects, i.e. Christmas in Narellan, BEOTY
• Manage all service contracts and providers to NCC.
• Assist the President in managing Executive roles and responsibilities.
• Manage with the marketing manager the presentations for all general meetings.

Vice President – Communication & Media

Brett McGrath is currently serving as our Vice President – Communications, a role he has held with the Chamber since 2016.

Brett is a Senior Associate Lawyer with Marsdens Law Group and President of the Macarthur Law Society, practising in all areas of family law, property and conveyancing, commercial and estate planning, heading-up Marsdens’ new Oran Park office in the Macarthur region.

Brett’s legal experience is an asset to the Chamber. Regularly appearing in Court as an advocate before the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and Family Court of Australia, as well as being skilled at negotiator, Brett assists the board with deepening the Chamber’s relationship with important local, state and federal stakeholders including the media, government and non-government sectors.

Having grown up in the Macarthur region, Brett is keen to advocate for the growth and development of the local business sector through his work with the Chamber. Brett is also the Vice President of the Western Sydney Regional Advisory Council of the NSW Business Chamber, championing policy issues to improve and sustain business performance in the Macarthur region.

• Provide support to the president and general vice president in carrying out their responsibilities as required.
• Ensure guest speakers are booked along with sponsors and prizes are confirmed 3 months in advance.
• Keep records of all relevant press cuttings.
• Invite media contact to all meetings .
• Liaise with President and VP to discuss media releases and public communication
• Send communication, photos, video etc to marketing manager and assist with media releases to go on website/facebook/LinkedIN as required by the board and or assist the marketing manager.
• Update and assist president and marketing to produce media release immediately after monthly meetings as a form of NCC newsletter.
• Provide at each monthly meeting an update on local events and headlines in conjunction with the media sponsor ie General Business and local updates
• Liaise with media sponsors in relation to material to be presented to the monthly in local update and news.
• Assist the President to liaise with media and coordinate media releases.
• Assist the President and attend relevant local council meetings and any other local authority in relation to business and provide updates.
• Assist the marketing manager and President in the update of any communications with the membership including President messages, newsletters etc
• Assist create and grow the communications between business and members.

Treasurer

Geoff Rogers is our current treasurer, a role he has held on the Chamber executive board since August 2014.

Geoff is a qualified CPA Accountant, registered tax agent and licensed financial planner and has run his own business Camden Valley Financial Solutions in Somerset Avenue, Narellan since 2004.

Geoff brings the skills and experience he has from his business to his treasurer role with the Chamber wanting to ensure the Chamber and its board and members are on as strong as possible financial base that it can by ensuring the financial accounts, bills and invoices are all kept up to date and accounted for.

Geoff believes Chamber is important for expanding the strength of the Greater Narellan area and for businesses to work together better to improving the area.

• Monitor and report on Chamber finances.
• Prepare monthly report on finances.
• Report to executives on status of outstanding revenue i.e. debtors report and bank account reconciliation as required.
• Pay all accounts received by chamber after approval.
• Maintain appropriate records to detail income and expenditure of the chamber.
• Issue invoices for monthly meetings, sponsorship, and annual membership renewals and new member applications etc, where not automatically generated by members via the Chamber website.
• Collect from President all cheques received and bank.
• Coordinate with the Speaker/Events coordinator, the list of the attending members for each meeting.
• In conjunction with VP, organise signatories on NCC bank accounts.
• In conjunction with VP, prepare ASIC documents for the appointment and resignations of new executives.
• Prepare profit and loss sheet and balance statement for executives as required.
• Prepare Directors Report and prepare statement by directors to the Financial Accounts.
• Manage and liaise with CIN Treasurer in relation to CIN bank account and expenditure and incoming funds.
• Liaise with and organise with the external auditor the annual audit of accounts.
• At monthly meetings manage and receipt payments from members and or guests, in conjunction with the Membership officer on limited occasions where not automatically generated by members via website
• Input and maintain and reconcile Xero accounts for record of all invoices and receipts and payments.
• Assist with registration desk at Chamber meetings and functions.

Secretary

We are pleased to welcome Pania Gregson back to the board as the current Secretary.

Pania brings with her a wealth of experience in this role, having spent a number of years as Secretary for both Narellan and Camden Chambers, as well as 4 years on the Business Event of the Year Committee.

Pania is a strong advocate of the value of connecting with other local businesses whilst continuing to learn and grow as a business owner and believes that Chamber provides the perfect forum. She is keen to utilise her business and Chamber experience to contribute to the successful delivery of these benefits to our members.

• Prepare and distribute agendas for monthly general and executive meetings.
• Record and draft minutes of monthly general and executive meetings.
• In conjunction with Website/IT Coordinator, upload minutes from general and executive meetings to chamber web site.
• Collect mail from NCC post box, distribute accordingly (scan, email etc) and collate and file all correspondence.
• Respond to, and draft any general correspondence on behalf of NCC Executive as required.
• Prepare outgoing correspondence as required (including thank you letters to monthly speakers).
• Assist with any correspondence to government departments on behalf of chamber as required.
• Assist the Treasurer with the appointments and resignations of new executives in relation to ASIC.
• Organise monthly executive meetings.
• Present minutes at meetings (i.e. circulate on table).
• Assist with registration desk at Chamber meetings and functions.

Membership Coordinator

Our current Membership Coordinator is Amy Woodley from Start Fresh Accounting. Amy is an Accountant and Tax Agent running her own business in Oran Park.

She previously sat on the Narellan Executive as treasurer in 2013 & 2014. Her passion for the chamber has led her to re-joining as Membership Coordinator and is looking forward to this exciting role.

Amy has enjoyed being part of the Narellan Chamber for over 5 years and credits her successful relationships in The Greater Narellan area to this.

• Handle membership enquires from prospective and existing members.
• Respond to membership enquiries via email and the website.
• Forward welcome email to new members.
• Post welcome message on NCC Facebook for new members.
• Put together notice for tables at meeting of all new member details.
• Update the NCC website with new member details and new member logo.
• Update the NSW Business Chamber portal with new member details.
• Co-ordinate membership badges for new members.
• Provide membership update at general meeting.
• Introduce new members and provide a new member list to President at monthly meetings.
• Liaise with Treasurer regarding financial status of members.
• Meet and greet new members at Chamber meetings.
• Advise people on membership process and applications at the general meetings.
• Work with the sponsorship coordinator in relation to the sponsorship programme for NCC and CIN or any other projects NCC is involved with.
• Select members to be profiled for the Around the Grounds/Who Am I segment each month, advise them prior to the meeting that they have been selected.
• Come up with new ways to promote the growth of membership in consultation with the Executive.

Marketing Coordinator

Elisha is in her third year as the Marketing Coordinator of The Greater Narellan Business Chamber. Elisha runs a local Branding & Marketing Agency, Evoke Visual Creations and is honoured to use her skills and expertise to support and grow the Chamber.

Elisha initially joined the Executive Board in 2015 for self-development purposes and to explore how she could support local business through Chamber. She now enjoys the contribution Chamber allows her to make to the local community.

Any local business should be a part of Chamber, not only to increase their brand awareness & grow their business, but stay up to date with what is happening in the local area, and to receive quality education and training.

• Manage, finalise and roll out the marketing plan for the chamber
• Send communication, photos, video etc to go on website/facebook/LinkedIN as required.
• Assist the creative and assist produce media release immediately after monthly meetings as a form of NCC newsletter.
• Manage the photographer at meeting and update face book page and website.
• Liaise with the membership and sponsorship co ordinctor to assist in marketing the members and or sponsors in our own forums.
• Assist the Sponsorship coordinator in promoting sponsorship programmes.
• Assist the Vice President with the presentations for general meetings
• Manage Website.
• Manage articles/blogs and information to go on website.
• Manage invitations and on line communications, ensuring members receive timely notification and reminders of chamber meetings and events.
• Keep current and future NCC general meetings updated .
• Ensure guest speakers and information on the events are correct .
• Liaise with the membership coordinator on current membership and new member details being kept correct and updated frequently.
• In conjunction with the Speaker/Events coordinator, monitor meeting registrations to ensure RSVP numbers are within limits.
• In conjunction with the Secretary, ensure minutes are on the web in a timely manner.
• Ensure that file sizes and formats are correct for uploading onto web site, face book or any other form of advertising.
• Create monthly ads/invitations for general meetings held by the chamber.

Events Coordiantor

Leanne has enthusiastically adopted the role of event co-ordinator with the level of enthusiasm she is known for. Being a natural organiser, Leanne has brought to the table a wealth of experience which has ensured the smooth running of all the meetings since she accepted the position.

Leanne has managed the family Printing business with Ian since taking over in 2005 and has a leading role since joining the company over 22 years ago. The level of customer service, problem solving and attention to detail has given a great foundation to add value to The Greater Narellan Business Chamber.

• Together with the Executive, source and manage monthly meeting speakers and negotiate costs and or manage other executive members who have organised speakers.
• Liaise with the speakers to determine their resource and dietary requirements as well as communicate the Executive’s requirements (timelines for sending though presentations etc).
• Liaise with venue for bookings, menu, numbers AV requirements, set up and room access.
• Liaise with suppliers (decorators, DJ’s, AV Professionals bands etc) to determine their requirements as well as communicate the Executive requirements.
• Coordinate the mail out of event invitations and the printing in local media – in conjunction with the web site manager.
• Enter RSVP numbers into an excel spreadsheet as they come through Site flex (noting payment type, dietary requirements, business name and attendee names). Print this and bring it to the monthly meeting for registrations.
• Communicate with the Executive on RSVP numbers on a regular basis.
• Assist members and guests who are having difficulty registering for a monthly meeting (in conjunction with the Treasurer).
• Source lucky door prizes (liaise with meeting sponsor/members)
• Print off the menu for the meeting and have them on the tables.
• Print off dietary requirement cards for attendees.
• Source cake, flowers, hampers etc for special acknowledgements, thank you’s, celebrations etc (member’s birthdays etc).
• Arrive early to monthly meetings and coordinate room set up (liaise with decorators, DJ, AV board members, function staff etc).
• Be the contact person at the event, liaising between the President, MC and venue in the event issues arise and need to be dealt with.
• Help speaker/s and sponsors at the monthly meetings to set up.
• Co ordinate the presentation of the room including manage external service providers.
• Communicate with executive on rsvp numbers and progress and co ordinate reminders with Website Manager.
• Actively host monthly meetings in conjunction with communication officer.
• Assist the MC on meeting nights in the coordination of the meeting.
• Assist in the coordination of special meetings (Ie Breakfast meetings).

Sponsorship Coordiantor

Sue is about to commence her second year as Sponsorship Coordinator. This is a tenure that she is really enjoying. She believes the valued sponsors receive exceptional value for money, and their support helps contribute to providing a better membership experience to members.

Sue has digressed her career from being a qualified Music teacher to spending the last 20 years overseeing the operation of their family owned business, “The Strictly Limited Co”, of which is a well-regarded picture framing and memorabilia business in our local area. Sue and Husband Trevor understand the value of local business presence in the community and actively contribute by way of sponsorship and committed support and participation to local causes.

• Create annual sponsorship programme and present to NCC board for approval.
• Liaise with CIN Executive and other special projects in relation to members interests in other sponsorship opportunities.
• Coordinating monthly business features in conjunction with the Events coordinator.
• Managing and ensuring delivery of all sponsorship benefits as per the sponsorship programme.
• Work together with the Treasurer in relation to sponsorship payments.
• Actively promote and source sponsorship for NCC.
• Communicate with sponsors regarding Facebook and other sponsor profiling opportunities and BIOS
• Send monthly reminders to sponsors that they need to RSVP for meetings and confirm with them if they are unable to attend that they can still promote their business via their banner at the monthly meetings.
• Constantly ensure that the sponsorship program and any ancillary programs for members are rolled out.
• Liaise with the sponsors to arrange that their banners are correctly placed in the room at a general meeting and assist with the collection of the banners if they can not attend.
• Coordinate with the Executive on the NCC after 5 Social Networking Event or any equivalent event.
• Actively seek other sponsorship opportunities such as special events etc that can be deemed as opportunity for further exposure of current sponsorship.

Social Media Coordinator

Belinda McLean is currently our Social Media Coordinator. Belinda has been on the Executive since August 2014 where she held the position of Membership Coordinator for 3 years.

Belinda has qualifications in Human Resources Management and has been running Human Resources Focus for over 10 years providing outsourced support too small to medium business in all areas of HR across the Greater Macarthur district and beyond.

Chamber provides business owners the opportunity to learn from each other and do business with other local companies. Chamber has proved to be an integral component of how we engage and meet with clients, suppliers and other members of the community to continue the growth of the Narellan business community.

• Manage social media marketing campaigns and day-to-day activities including:
• – Develop relevant content topics to reach the Chamber’s target customers.
• – Create, curate, and manage all published content (images, video and written).
• – Monitor, listen and respond to users in a “Social” way while cultivating leads for membership.
• – Conduct online advocacy and open a stream for cross-promotions.
• – Develop and expand community and/or influencer outreach efforts.
• – Assist in ideas for the design (ie: Facebook Timeline cover, profile pic, thumbnails, ads, landing pages, Twitter profile, Blog, etc.).
• – Work with the marketing manger to Design, create and manage promotions and Social ad campaigns.
• – Manage efforts in building online reviews and reputation. Monitor online reviews and respond to each review.
• – Help and assist the marketing manager to Compile reports for the board showing results (ROI).
• Become an advocate for the Chamber and Chamber’s projects in social media spaces, engaging in dialogues and answering questions where appropriate.
• Develop chamber elements in order to implement a proactive process for capturing happy, loyal members and online reviews.
• Assist the Marketing Director monitor trends in social media tools, applications, channels, design and strategy.
• Identify threats and opportunities in user-generated content surrounding the Chamber.