Fresh crisis for Oswestry Chamber of Commerce
Thursday 20th January 2011, 6:00PM GMT.
Oswestry’s Chamber of Commerce has been hit by a fresh crisis after it was revealed the whole committee had quit the organisation in support of the ex-chairman.
Chamber secretary Amanda McGregor and treasurer Sharon Gillham have stood down just weeks after long-serving chairman Yossi Gliksman resigned.
Today they would not comment on their decision other than to say they were standing down in support of Mr Gliksman.
A meeting has now been organised by an Oswestry businesswoman to look at the future of the chamber and recruit new members.
Last month, Mr Gliksman left his after eight years. He also said he was frustrated by the decision for a new supermarket on the Smithfield site and the town council’s decision not to offer free parking at Christmas.
Mrs McGregor, who is also the town’s CCTV co-ordinator, said: “We decided to stand down in support of Yossi. We decided to stand by him.” She said she will not renew her membership.
Gemma Syrett-Judd, from Honeysuckle in Chur-ch Street, is organising a meeting at the Wynnstay Hotel on February 2 at 6pm to recruit new members and fill empty posts.
She said, as a trader and not on behalf of the chamber: “It’s an open meeting for members, non-members and those who haven’t been involved before.”
She added: “We have to work together as traders to keep the town centre alive.”
Mr Gliksman said today he felt “moved” that other members stepped down in support.
He now believes it’s time for the chamber to move in a different direction.
“I want people to take it forward and I wish them all the best,” he said.
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How refreshing that Yossi Gliksman had the courage and the support of the (ex) Chamber of Commerce Committee. It’s sad though that Oswestry Council don’t listen. They didn’t listen to him and the Chamber of Commerce Committee members, they certainly don’t listen to the taxpayers of Oswestry. Seems to me that as well as being profoundly deaf, they are suffering an acute case of arrogance and pride. Has it dawned on these Councillors who they are supposed to represent?
Come on Councillors, show us that you know how to listen. Go back to Yossi, apologise and get him and the rest of the (ex) Chamber of Commerce stalwarts back where they belong.
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No, I think it’s time for a fresh start, new people and new energy.
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Its a shame about the crisis that has hit Oswestry Chamber, but how active was it? No website, not sure of any action plan or constitution. No real purpose to work on behalf of local businesses that I know of. There’s lots of business support out there that can help local traders trade successfully. The new chamber needs to work together with the Town Council and other agencies rather than arguing. A strong team with a paid secretariat with a local leading light is required. There are many successful businesses in Oswestry, just needs someone with good business acumen to take the lead!!
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