Former Mammino Ice Cream business owner and current deputy chair of Bundaberg Tourism Teena Mammino is the new president of Childers Chamber of Commerce.
Teena replaces surveyor Wayne Say who has stepped down after two years at the helm.
Teena, who with her late husband Anthony grew a family ice cream recipe into a statewide delicacy, is enthusiastic about her plans for the Childers Chamber.
“I have taken the reins from very capable operators in Wayne Say and his board,” she said.
“Wayne’s team have achieved some great outcomes over the past couple of years and in consultation with my board and our members I certainly want to expand on the work that has been done.
“The current Childers Heritage Streetscape project, which has been undertaken for the chamber by Converge Cultural Heritage, is now out for review by our members and the main street traders.
“The chamber and our local business operators, and especially those with main street shops, realise the significant value to Childers which is achieved by the heritage look of our town. Protecting this valuable characteristic is something the Chamber is passionate about.
“Part of the chamber’s charter regarding the architectural aspects of the main street is to source grants to assist in any preservation or refurbishing projects.”
Scope for more touch screens
“I would also like to see the chamber build on the success we have experienced through the launch of the Krupp Howitzer touch screen with the installation of a further touch screen kiosk in Millennium Park to more broadly tell the story of Childers and the surrounding district,” Teena said.
She's a firm believer in the chamber offering networking opportunities to all business operators.
“It’s widely recognised that February through April can be fairly lean trading months and by introducing business networking we provide the opportunity for collective ideas which may benefit everyone,” she said.
“There is so much that can be achieved in the Childers area by delving into the arts. The water tower behind the Council offices could host a mural and become a part of an art trail that many visitors actively seek out.
“The chamber has also discussed the return of the fairy lights to the main street trees which introduces such a delightful element to the display of our town. Council has agreed to a partnership with the Chamber to achieve this outcome.
“We have plenty of other projects on the radar including joining our business community to the successful #lovebundy campaign being run by Bundaberg traders.
Plans to build on RV friendly status
“The chamber also wants to create a strategic plan around the success that is emanating from the RV Friendly status that Childers currently enjoys,” Teena said.
“This has been a major plus for local business operators and we need to ensure we have the plans in place to maximise any benefit from the initiative.”
The new president said she was delighted to have Childers Canegrowers general manager Angela Williams as her chamber secretary.
“Everyone knows just how capable Angela is and admires the drive and passion she brings to the chamber,” she said.
“I really do urge local business operators to get on board with the Childers Chamber of Commerce and provide their input into the plans and strategies that will be developed in coming months and years.”
New Childers Chamber team
The Childers Chamber of Commerce team: President, Teena Mammino; vice-president John Russo; secretary Angela Williams; treasurer Michelle Duguid. Board members are Wayne Say, Ian and Barb Jenkins, Glenn Laycock, Rhys Kummerow and Julie Green (Facebook updates).
Chamber meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at the Isis Club beginning at 6.45am.
