Chamber’s conscience

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong’s Chamber of Commerce is attempting to lead the way in corporate social responsibility with a unique program helping local community groups.
At the first workshop of the Mentoring and Community Development Program on Saturday, 4 February, five chamber members gave free seminars on various aspects of running organisations to leaders and managers of community groups.
Program facilitator and chamber vice-president Peter Helmore said the partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong enabled the chamber’s members to raise their profile while providing valuable information to community groups on the council’s database.
GPT marketing manager Melinda Wright, whose company operates Parkmore Shopping Centre, was one of the mentors on the day.
Ms Wright said the day was useful for businesses.
“The day was an interesting insight into the needs of the local community and rewarding to be able to have the opportunity to assist them,” she said.
Mr Helmore, who provided a seminar on forming memberships, said the program had been planned since 2004, and while only 10 local community groups could take part this time more would be catered for in future mentoring and coaching days.
“The chamber took the view last year to be involved in corporate social responsibility because it is the right thing to do,” he said.
“Lots of organisations have seen they have a responsibility in terms of not just shareholders, but have a wider sense of responsibility.
“The chamber took the view that a number of organisations could do with some support, so we wanted to create a vehicle to provide that.
“It is part of our vision to provide leadership to the community.”