The Ystradgynlais & District Chamber of Trade & Tourism successfully held our first public meeting last week at The Welfare on Brecon Road. This marked a significant milestone for the Chamber, allowing us to meet the local business community and share our vision for the future.
Building the Foundation: Achievements So Far
Chairman Chris Waldie welcomed attendees and provided an update on the committee’s progress since its inception in late 2023. He introduced the dedicated committee members who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, and then went on to outline what we’d achieved in the run up to the Chamber’s public launch.
Key achievements highlighted included:
- Establishing the Chamber as a Community Interest Company (CIC)
- Securing a dedicated bank account
- Launching social media channels and website (ystradgynlaischamber.wales)
Membership Benefits
Co-chair and Secretary, Georgia Burdett took centre stage to explain the numerous benefits of joining the Ystradgynlais Chamber. She emphasized how membership provides access to resources, networking opportunities, and a strong voice to advocate for local businesses.
Delving deeper into membership options, Georgia Burdett outlined the different categories designed to cater to various business needs. The core offering is the Full Membership, ideal for any business physically located within the wards of Ystradgynlais and Tawe Uchaf Town Councils. This membership level unlocks the full spectrum of benefits, including regular networking events, a strong voice in local business advocacy, access to valuable business support resources, and promotional opportunities through the Chamber’s channels.
However, recognising the importance of a broader business community, Georgia also explained Affiliate Membership. This option is perfect for businesses situated outside the designated catchment area or those with a specific interest in aligning with the Chamber’s mission. Affiliate members can still enjoy some of the Chamber’s advantages, potentially including access to select events and networking opportunities, while demonstrating their support for the local business landscape.
Finally, Georgia acknowledged the valuable role of charitable organisations within the community. The Chamber offers a dedicated Charity Membership level, tailored to provide support for non-profit groups. This membership category comes with reduced fees suited to the unique needs of charities.
Looking to the Future: Websites and Member Engagement
Chris Richards, representing half of the press and PR team alongside Becky Roberts, unveiled the Chamber’s website strategy. He detailed the brand new ystradgynlaischamber.wales website designed as a central resource hub for members. He also presented a vision for the long-term ystradgynlais.wales town website, outlining plans to develop it as a comprehensive platform for the entire Ystradgynlais community.
Call to Action: Join the Movement and Shape the Future
Closing the meeting, we emphasized the importance of member engagement, encouraging attendees to join the Chamber and actively participate in shaping its future.
From here the Chamber will be scheduling regular member meetings to foster collaboration and address business concerns. Additionally, the possibility of creating industry-specific sub-groups (e.g., trades, manufacturing, retail) was explored to cater to diverse business needs.
Positive Outcome: Feedback and Growth on the Horizon
While attendance was lower than anticipated, the public meeting served as a valuable launchpad for the Chamber. We appreciate the feedback provided by those who attended, which will be instrumental in guiding our future initiatives.
The Ystradgynlais Chamber is open for business! We encourage local businesses to join us and play a vital role in shaping a thriving Ystradgynlais & District. Sign up here
Ditch the Slides, Join the Buzz! Next Chamber Meeting Gets Informal
Our recent public meeting was a great chance to introduce ourselves, but we know formal presentations aren’t for everyone. That’s why we’re shaking things up for our next event!
Keep your calendars free for a relaxed “Chat & Mingle” style meeting. This is your chance to:
- Connect directly with local businesses in a casual, friendly environment.
- Network and share ideas with fellow local businesses.
- Get a firsthand feel for the Chamber’s vision and how it can benefit your business.
- Enjoy refreshments and light bites while building valuable connections.
Stay tuned!
We’ll be announcing the date, time, and location soon. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the faces behind the Ystradgynlais & District Chamber of Trade & Tourism in a more informal setting.
In the meantime, follow us on social media
Together, let’s build a thriving business community!
