Springfield Chamber president confident of strong future

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has many new faces following its annual general meeting. Among the departures was Ralph Breaden, who stepped down as president after nearly five years.

Ralph Breaden stepped down as president of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

BREAKING down myths surrounding chambers of commerce is at the forefront of Neil Coupland’s agenda.

The First National Real Estate Springfield principal became the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce president at the annual general meeting last week.

Mr Coupland took over from Clarity Financial Services owner Ralph Breaden, who led the chamber for almost five years.

Mr Coupland said some common perceptions about chambers of commerce needed to change.

“Chambers are not the way they were 30 years ago,” Mr Coupland said.

“Some people have said they were like a boys club.

“A lot more business owners are women now and we need to facilitate more events tailored specifically toward women.

“There’s also a generation of new people coming through — young business owners — and we have to tap into the way they do business.

“We can learn from them and they can learn from our experience.”

Mr Coupland said the Chamber’s treasurer and secretary were relatively new in their role and would bring energy to the network.

“There’s some exciting stuff happening,” Mr Coupland said.

“I’ll get feedback about what the chamber has done well and where we can improve.”

Mr Coupland set up his business in Springfield in 1999 and is confident the best years lie ahead.

“Just about everything that was promised for Springfield has been delivered,” Mr Coupland (pictured) said.

“Moving forward, there are a lot more positive opportunities to come out of Springfield. I think most people in the area are fairly positive about business opportunities here.

“There are always going to be hardships.

“The chamber can be a place for advice from like-minded people to alleviate hardships.”