AFTER 99 years of being an advocate for, and supporter of local businesses, the Gloucester Business Chamber is facing an existential crisis, and seems unlikely to celebrate its centenary.
Despite having 37 member businesses, very few attended the Chamber’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), and there were no nominations for the positions of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer or committee member.
The Chamber is best known to the Gloucester community for running both the Farmer’s and Community markets, Twilight Gloucester and the New Year’s event in Gloucester Park, however such events require a huge effort.
Outgoing President Matt Clinch has told News Of The Area that he was not surprised by what happened at the AGM because for some time there had been limited member involvement in the Chamber’s activities.
He also indicated that the Chamber was operating at a loss.
“We get lots and lots of promises of more support, which come to nothing,” Mr Clinch said.
“There is not sufficient support on the ground, and all the work has been done by very few people, and at the AGM it was decided that the time had probably come to wind it up.”
However, it was also decided that before any final decision about winding up the Chamber was made there should be a community meeting to discuss all the issues, and the way ahead, particularly in relation to the markets, Twilight Gloucester and the New Year celebrations.
“We hope to consider whether there are other organisations willing and able to take over these events.
“It looks as though it’s time to let the Chamber go, but the goal for me is not to let those events go because they are significant community programs.”
The public meeting will be held at the Gloucester Bowling Club at 6.30pm on Thursday 26 March.
By John WATTS
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