At the recent AGM the Port Lincoln Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has elected a new Chairperson Sharni-Marie Barney, after Jack Ritchie announced his decision to step down after 4 successful years in the role.
Sharni-Marie Barney, owner of Forj Marketing which operates internationally from an Eyre Peninsula base, has played a key role in working with businesses across regions and the state. A strategic business person, Sharni brings strong connections to peak business bodies and is one of the facilitators for the Australian government digital capability program run through Adelaide Business Hub. Over the past three years she has been an invaluable member of the Chamber executive committee, starting off in the role of marketing/PR then moving into the Vice Chair role in 2019.
\”I\’d like to thank Jack and the members of the committee from the previous years who have built a fantastic foundation for us to grow from. Every role is volunteer and the amount of time and effort that has been put in, that many people don\’t see, is incredible. I am honoured to represent the members of the Port Lincoln Chamber of Commerce & Tourism and to support businesses and the tourism industry of Port Lincoln. Our newly elected committee is a motivated and passionate group of people who are keen to continue the good work already delivered, by facilitating a number of projects and events that will encourage business growth. I am excited about the year ahead for our region,\” said Sharni-Marie Barney
The executive committee consists of Sharni-Marie Barney (Chair), Rod Miller (Vice Chair), Franziska Huber (Secretary), Anne-Marie Hammond (Minute Secretary), Michael Tarin (Treasurer), Hazel Manning (Marketing / Promotions), and Jed Carson (Public Officer).
The Chamber had a productive year last year despite the challenge of COVID. It was a year of remarkable innovation, adaptability, resilience and change for business and our community. Businesses adapted and innovated, and we saw a phenomenal boost in intrastate touring which created a flow-on effect to the entire community.
Business went from how to maintain staff during restrictions, to how to recruit new staff when we moved to unprecedented demand from visitors choosing Port Lincoln and the EP. The Chamber adapted alongside business and had to cancel some events and work out ways to bring others successfully to fruition, while maintaining a consistent media and communications role responding to changes and keeping business informed of support and opportunities. Though we had to cancel the Business Excellence Awards, it was brilliant to have been able to roll out another successful Christmas Pageant and New Years\’ fireworks events. This year\’s events are sure to be bigger and better than ever.
Outgoing Chair Jack Ritchie thanked all the executive team members for all their hard work and support and said “it has been an honour to support members, business and the community during my time in the role. Congratulations to Sharni who brings a wide range of knowledge and skills to advocate for and work with the business community of Port Lincoln and the region.”
