This year’s Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce AGM took place at Pilgrim House in Hope Square and online using Zoom, with Acting President Rick Simmonds of Verbu overseeing the evenings proceedings.
For the last six months, Rick has been the Chambers interim president. As we begin to emerge from the Covid pandemic, Rick’s goal was to continue the chamber’s work and initiate the return of the chamber’s very successful business breakfast networking events. As well as thanking previous president, Craig Oakes of Oakes Insure, who went above and beyond during his time as president, Rick also wished the new Chamber leaders, exec committee – and all members – the very best for business recovery in the coming year.
Rick hands the reigns over to Paul Appleby of Tech Wessex, who takes on the mantle of President with the support of new Vice President, Hugh Chalker of Chalker Estate Management, Hugh has a long history with the chamber, having been president himself. Brodie Cook of Albert Goodman continues as the Chamber’s Treasurer. A new Executive Committee consisting of voluntary Chamber members was also elected in.
Paul was proud to be elected as the new president and has said
“It’s only day one but I’ve already got 101 ideas buzzing in my head. I feel very honoured and looking forward to spending valuable time with the Exec board to support, enable and champion all businesses of Weymouth and Portland.
I’ve been a member of the WPCC Exec board for over three years, bringing my skills and experience from my own outsource IT management and support company Tech Wessex. I hope to continue the excellent work of all former Presidents including Rick Simmonds, Craig Oakes and Andrew Knowles whom I’ve known in my time at the Chamber.”
With a new President, Vice President, a full Exec committee and no additional business, the meeting was ended, followed by photos and networking.
A copy of the minutes are available upon request.
