Collie Chamber executive regroups

A new Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industries executive management committee has been formed after a period of turmoil for the organisation.

Collie shire deputy president Glyn Yates was voted president of the chamber and eight people were elected to the committee during a general meeting at the Collie Motel on Monday.

In June, several members of the executive management committee - including the president and treasurer - resigned.

The remaining members of the executive management committee voted to suspend chief executive officer Richard Jackson on July 8 but a motion to support the suspension failed during a special general meeting on July 28.

Cr Yates, who is also a Collie and Districts Bendigo Bank director, said he had the experience of being a member of the chamber for more than 20 years and had previously served as president.

"The previous executive management committee has made some decisions that the members of the chamber did not agree with, as seen in the voting at the special general meeting in July," he said.

"What the members want is a chamber that represents them and gets the best outcomes."

Cr Yates said his experience of being a councillor and a member of the chamber would be beneficial.

"Some people may think there is a potential conflict of interest but I have been a part of both organisations for a long time and I am looking to work with a variety of organisations," he said.

Cr Yates said he believed the past 10 months for the chamber had been "rocky" but he was optimistic about its future.

"It's been around for 74 years and I see no reason why it can't grow and prosper," he said.

Cr Yates said the future of Mr Jackson would be considered by the executive management committee in the future.

"There was a clear indication at the special general meeting in July that the members did not agree with the methodology used to suspend him," he said.

"In the end, the structure of the chamber is important and it needs to be effective no matter who the chief executive officer is."

Mr Jackson said he was pleased that a new executive management committee had been elected.