About Us
Independence
We are an independant, not-for-profit and Graphic
non-government body and our role is to support, educate and
facilitate a healthy, vibrant business community. Our networking
events provide our Members an opportunity to promote their
business and are designed to encourage business professionals
to interact with each other and expand their business contacts.
Inclusion
We are an inclusive organisation and therefore welcome
associate members who are simply interested in the community
albeit not owning a business of their own.
Information
The Chamber also has the important role of being the ‘go to’ place for information that allows businesses to enhance their skill base, explore new directions and grow market share.
Integration
We also provide an abundance of networking opportunities for businesses to connect and form strategic business-to-business affiliations and gain access to areas of government and promote themselves within the region.
Chamber Team
The Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce is governed by an Executive Board ensuring our Members have direct influence over the policies and initiatives of the Chamber in addition to ensuring the service provided meets expectations of business in the Moorabool area.
The Chamber’s operations are led by President, Michael Ryan, who works with other members of the Executive Committee and Sub-Committees – a collection of volunteers elected from within the Chamber’s own membership.
Laura Sims
President
Laura is a driving force behind the very successful Ballan Builders.
She has previously contributed to the Chamber as Treasurer and is the incumbent President for 2023/24.
As President she is able to apply her long term business experience to her role.
Bernie Shanahan
Vice President
Bernie has a firm footing in the local community. As owner of Crossroads Trading in Ballan for the past two years he is dealing with locals on a daily basis.
Bernie has lived on the 100-year-old family farm in Greendale since birth and upon completing school, worked in cattle yards before becoming a stock agent for Elders.
Edith Paarhammer
Secretary
Edith and Tony Paarhammer own Paarhammer Windows. The manufacturing business was founded in 1990, the Paarhammer’s joined the newly formed Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce at that time.
Edith has served as President, Secretary and Treasurer and especially enjoys networking with other local businesspeople.
Michael Ryan
Treasurer
Michael has worked in and with small businesses for all of his career as an accountant in regional Victoria.
He feels that sustainable local business is critical to the health and welfare of our communities.
He is optimistic about the role our Chamber is playing in supporting local business into the future.