OPINION: Albany Chamber of Commerce’s President Kerry Fry reflects on the Chamber’s history

A lot has changed over the past 130 years. We were once mailing letters and are now connected instantly online; there is more awareness around the health of our environment, the need to bridge the gender equality gap, and there have even been a number of health pandemics. However, throughout all this constant change, one thing has remained consistent throughout the last 130 years; the support Albany and Lower Great Southern businesses have received from the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As the world evolved, so too has the Albany Chamber, and over the last 100 years one of these progressions can be seen in way of the presidency. Seventy-four have been male, and as the Chamber’s current president, I am one of only four women who have had the opportunity to guide and support the business community. I have been an active member on the Chamber’s Executive Committee since October 2018, and its President for the past 14 months, and I have also independently paved my own way and navigated myself through the business world. I started my business journey at the age of 24, which ultimately saw the successful opening of Firm Vision Advisory in 2016. I have since established myself as a key business leader and as president of the Chamber. My focus lies in providing a voice for small businesses having understood and experienced first-hand the highs and lows that come along with starting and running a business by yourself. Starting and running a business can be quite difficult and sometimes even isolating. Having a great business community people can be a part of, with access to a community of small business networks to engage with, and share in, experiences is invaluable. With the aims of growing support networks for small business owners, I’m focused on advocacy and providing opportunities for businesses to connect with each other, or other key business leaders in the community to promote a supportive and collaborative business culture. Businesses are having to constantly navigate their way through changes, whether it be getting themselves online or how to best manage Covid, but it can be made easier with the support and advice from others who have successfully made it through. Being part of a business community in the Great Southern means we can all help each other to grow the region’s economy, and having a Chamber who can effectively advocate on your behalf is highly beneficial for any business. This past 130 years has seen the Chamber grow, evolve and change for the benefit of the Albany and Lower Great Southern business community. To learn more about the ACCI, visit albanycci.com.au. Kerry Fry is the president of the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry.