The continuation of the Member Services Manager role at Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc (MCCI) represents a strategic investment in strengthening local business support and community connection. Backed by the Local Buying Foundation, this two-year initiative ensures consistent, on-the-ground engagement with micro and small businesses across Muswellbrook and surrounding districts.
The MSM role plays a vital part in delivering chamber services, facilitating events and connecting businesses with opportunities. By enhancing the chamber’s capacity to respond to member needs, the role supports broader regional development and contributes to long-term economic resilience.
This initiative reinforces the importance of people and roles that build strong business communities. It strengthens local chambers as connectors and enablers, improves access to services and networks for small enterprises and aligns with BHP and LBF’s mission to empower regional business ecosystems. Supporting the MSM role also reflects BHP’s social value goals by fostering inclusive economic participation and community wellbeing.
By investing in this position, the Local Buying FOundation are helping local businesses access consistent guidance and opportunities, ensuring the chamber remains a trusted partner in driving growth and collaboration across the region.
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Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce Member Services Manager Role
5 December 2023
The NSW Local Buying Foundation has approved funding to support the continuation of Member Services Manager role for the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc (MCCI). This funding, under the Micro-business and SME Capacity Building project category, will extend the existing subsidy for this role for a further three years, from 2023-2026. Since 2020, the LBF has provided financial support for this vital role, with Wayne Toms serving as the Member Services Manager during this period.
Wayne has been instrumental in strengthening the Chamber’s initiatives, delivering key services to the local business community, and creating a network of support across Muswellbrook and its districts. His work has helped connect businesses with valuable resources, foster growth, and promote collaboration that contributes to the region’s economic resilience.
The Chamber, which has been active since 1992, is driven by volunteers who are deeply committed to the success of local businesses. The Member Services Manager role is essential to the Chamber’s strategic objectives of increasing membership, expanding sponsorship, and providing a range of business development events and services. This includes signature events like the Muswellbrook Business Awards and capacity-building workshops that support the growth and success of businesses throughout the area.
This ongoing partnership between the Local Buying Foundation and Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc continues to strengthen the local business landscape, aligning with the vision of building a resilient and thriving community.
John Aurisch, C-Res General Manager of C-Res, commented “The Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays an invaluable role in supporting local businesses and driving economic growth in the region. Through their programs and initiatives, they create opportunities for businesses can connect, collaborate, and grow. The Local Buying Foundation’s continued support for the Member Services Manager role reflects our commitment to fostering a resilient and sustainable business community. We are proud to back their efforts and look forward to seeing the ongoing positive impact the Muswellbrook Chamber has.”
This funded role is part of the broader Bridging the Boundaries program – a national initiative funding locally-based economic development positions to support and empower business communities. More information about the Bridging the Boundaries positions can be found here.